Beijing, , CHN

Jun 3, 2011 4:57 AM

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Fiona Hamilton / Xinhua News Agency/Newscom

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Fiona Hamilton

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(110603) -- BEIJING, June 3, 2011 (Xinhua) -- The file photo taken on January 27, 2010 shows China's Li Na (R) and Zheng Jie posing with the national flag during the 2010 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia. The 29-year-old Li, who became the first Chinese player to make a grand slam final earlier this year at the Australian Open, is hopeful her run to the French Open final can inspire a new generation of Chinese tennis players. Li will be making her second consecutive Grand Slam final appearance against Francesca Schiavone of Italy in the women's final on June 4, 2011. Li initiated her professional journey since 1999 and made history by becoming the first Chinese player top reach the last eight of a major in 2006 Wimbledon tennis championships. Then in 2010 Australia Open, she refreshed her record by advancing into the final four the first time and ranked No.10 of WTA. Thursday's final berth ensured Li Na, No.7 seed, to rise to at least No.5 on the WTA rankings; Further more, she will rise to world No.4 on the WTA rankings if she could clinch her first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros on Saturday. (Xinhua/Fiona Hamilton) (lm)