Last year’s runner-up Na Li will take on Ksenia Pervak in the first round of the 2012 Australian OpenYou can watch and bet on Li v Pervak live for free at bet365 > live tennisNa Li was in something of rut in the tail end of the 2011 season, faltering at Wimbledon and fading away following a first class start to the season. Her explosive start to 2011 included title wins at Sydney and the French Open, as well as a runner-up finish at the Australian Open where she was beaten by Kim Clijsters.
China’s only ever slam winner appears to be back on song now though, having finished as the runner-up amongst a top quality field in this year’s WTA Sydney Open. She may have won the competition last year, but the fact that she strung a lengthy run together will have done wonders for her confidence ahead of her opening matchup with Ksenia Pervak.
Talking about her chances in Melbourne this time around, Li stated, “I was in final last year, so I think I should be Okay.” A solid start against Pervak would be ideal. If she can reproduce her form from last year she should be able to cruise through to round two in straight sets.
