China's Zheng Jie cruises to third round
There were no dramas for China's Zheng, who missed last year's Open with a wrist injury, as she joined compatriot Li in the third round with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 win over Italian Roberta Vinci, seeded 23rd.
There were no dramas for China's Zheng, who missed last year's Open with a wrist injury, as she joined compatriot Li in the third round with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 win over Italian Roberta Vinci, seeded 23rd.
Zheng, unbeaten this year after winning the Auckland Classic, broke her opponent five times in an impressive performance but was unwilling to think too far ahead.
"It's given me confidence because she played so special, backhand slice then big spin on the forehand," she said. "It was tough playing against her but I'm happy I beat her in two sets."
When asked whether she and Li could match their showing two years ago, when both reached the semi-finals, Zheng said: "I'm not thinking too far ahead but it's a new year and I haven't lost a match yet, so I'm full of confidence."
Fifth seed Li, who reached the final of last year's Australian Open before becoming Asia's first ever singles grand slam winner when she won the French Open, plays Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues on Friday.