The 2011 French Open champion was slammed on social networks after she tumbled out of Roland Garros this year in the second round.
Asked if she had an explanation for her legions of fans in China, "Do I need to explain?" she replied at the time. "It's strange. I lost a game and that's it. Do I need to get on my knees and kowtow to them? Apologise to them?"
That triggered a torrent of condemnation in Chinese media and from posters on social networks, criticising her attitude and professionalism.
"Maybe they have it wrong," she said, adding that she had "no idea" how many followers she had on social media.
Li raced into the second round at Wimbledon with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 defeat of Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands.
"It was a pretty good start to Wimbledon. Because the last two years I didn't do well on the grass court. I was shocked a little bit. I have to get used to playing on the grass. I was feeling pretty happy.
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