The Chinese called time on her career on Friday, having been forced to withdraw from the US Open in New York due to a knee problem.
What proved to be the final year of her career began with victory in Melbourne as she added the Australian Open title to her 2011 French Open crown.
Having clinched her second career major, the 32-year-old opted to prolong her career in search of a third and the number one ranking.
While it was not to be, Li has no regrets over the decision.
"I am very satisfied with my career and I am very proud of myself and my achievements," she said on Sunday.
"I think now is the best time to decide to retire. I don't have any regrets or shame in my career, I was asking myself.
"When I won the Australian Open I said that I want to fight for another grand slam and the world number one ranking.
"Honestly, I don't have any regrets because I have tried really hard and given 100 per cent. It is not that I didn't try hard and didn't get there but I tried hard and didn't get to number one.
"I am sure I can't do anything more than that and that is partly why I decided to retire. All in all I have no regrets and the only reason to retire is my body is not good enough to carry on."