Li Na, Zheng Jie advance at Australian Open

China's 16th seed Li Na swept past New Zealand's Marina Erakovic in straight sets 6-2, 6-0 on Wednesday to reach the women's singles second round at the Australian Open.

Meanwhile, Li's compatriot Zheng Jie advanced to the third round of the tournament after coming from one set down to beat Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Li, whose first round match had been scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed due to rains, admitted to first round nerves at Melbourne Park.

"Actually, when I walked out on court and saw all the fans were for her, I was a little bit nervous," Li said.

"At the beginning of the match I just told myself 'don't play three sets'. If I played three sets then maybe I would be too nervous.

"You never know who might win in three sets so I told myself ' hold on to every point; don't give her chance'."

Next up for Li Na is Hungary's Agnes Szavay, who beat Canada's Stephanie Dubois 6-3, 6-2.

Li played her last year, but said knowing a little about her game.

"I played her last year at the beginning of the year and that's a year ago and a lot can change in a year," said Li.

"I want to see her play, I know she plays very fast."

Source: Xinhua