Li Na inspired me, says China's Zheng

Zheng Jie on Saturday spoke of how she was inspired by Li Na's breakthrough win at last year's French Open as she joined the Chinese number one in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Resurgent Zheng, who remains unbeaten in 2012, shocked ninth seed Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-3 in just under an hour-and-a-half to reach the last 16 in Melbourne.

Speaking afterwards, she admitted Li claiming Asia's first grand slam singles title had boosted other Chinese players, and had prompted interest in the game in China.

"I think Li Na winning a grand slam was... big news in China. And also she (was) in the final last year of the Australian Open. It's so good," she said.

Zheng, ranked 38, said the victory for Li had given her more confidence as they had practiced together in the past.

"A few years ago we never thought we could win a singles grand slam. Yeah, I think it also gave me more confidence," she said.

Tenacious Zheng, who won her fourth WTA title in Auckland this month, gave Bartoli the runaround on Saturday, racing into a 4-0 lead and surviving a wobble to seal the first set with an overhead smash.

Bartoli battled hard at the start of the second set but Zheng stayed strong, securing a crucial break in the sixth game. In total, Zheng hit 28 winners against just seven for Bartoli.

"It's a bit like Li Na," said Bartoli. "They (Chinese players) like playing here. She plays a game of risks, so she needs confidence and she gets it when she wins lots of matches in a row.

"She's playing very, very well at the moment."

Zheng said her win in New Zealand had set her up well for the Australian Open, although she admitted her heavy programme had been tiring.

"I think today was good. Also, I didn't think I would win this match like today this easily. But she's still good player. She has a big serve," Zheng said.

"But today I think my return was good. I don't miss too many returns, and I pushed her, and I tried to play more aggressive."

Zheng, 28, who reached the semi-finals of the 2010 Australian Open but missed last year's tournament with a wrist injury, will next play Italy's Sara Errani on Monday, which is the Chinese New Year.

"New Year is coming," said Zheng, adding: "I hope I can win the next match because is the New Year."

Kei Nishikori, Asia's last hope in the men's singles also won against France's Julien Benneteau for a place in the fourth round on Saturday.

China's Peng Shuai, Japanese players Kimiko Date-Krumm and Ayumi Morita, Taiwan's Lu Yen-hsun and Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn have already fallen by the wayside.