When Li Na, the 2011 French Open champion walked into the court to play her opponent, Sabine Lisicki, at this year's Wimbeldon championship she was almost sure that she could at the least advance to the next round. After all Na was coming into Wimbeldon on the back of a recent morale-boosting grand slam win that made her the first Chinese player to ever win a grand slam championship. Her opponent, Lisicki, placed 61 in the 2011 WTA rankings had wild card to thank for the opportunity to show what she's made of; Na was seeded third at Wimbeldon and ranked forth on the WTA rankings. Watching the two play there was no doubt that Lisicki was an opponent worth her salt; she played with her heart and mind producing world-class shots. Na, some may argue may have been tired after conquering the clay courts in France. Lisicki's wasn't fussed, she kept her eye on the ball, an effort that was greatly rewarded by Na's upset and subsequent exit for this year's grass court championship. Na, who took everything in stride, learnt that Wimbeldon is not a walk in the park.
Na's exit may be the best indication yet that there are no guarantees for any of the other established players. Serena survived what could have been another fall by drawing on her experience to advance past the second round of this grand slam.
Romosh
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