Laura Robson powered into the third round with a 6-4, 7-6 win over France’s Caroline Garcia to set up a rematch with sixth seed Li Na.
China’s Li recorded an easy 6-2, 6-2 victory over Sofia Arvidsson and wants revenge against the Briton, who beat her at the same stage of this tournament last year.
“I can prove to myself that after one year, I can do better than last year,” said the 2011 French Open winner.
Twelve months ago, Robson went into the match having knocked out Kim Clijsters but as world No89 she was the major underdog. However, she has now moved up 57 places in the rankings and is the 30th seed while Li has maintained her position as one of the game’s best players.
Robson (above) said: “I remember being so nervous last year when I walked on court. But I just fought through that and she made a lot of mistakes in the first set, which helped quite a lot.”
The 19-year-old was powerful off both sides yesterday despite having her right wrist strapped due to an injury she suffered recently. She said: “I had more tape on my wrist and took a painkiller during the match.”
Two-time champion Venus Williams lost a three-hour battle 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 with Zheng Jie, of China.
Despite her health issues, the 33‑year-old will not retire yet and said: “If I didn’t think I had anything in the tank, I wouldn’t be here.”
