Wimbledon Profile: Li Na

Best Odds: 10/1 - Betfred
Seed: 3
Previous Best at SW19: QF (2006, 2010)
Grand Slam Titles: 1

Wimbledon Record:
Reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 2006 where she lost in two closely contested sets to Kim Clijsters. Injury ruled Li out the following year and she failed to make any significant impact at the All-England Club again until last season. The 29-year-old was seeded ninth this time last year and made the last eight for the second time before succumbing to eventual champion Serena Williams 7-5 6-3.

Form:
This is what makes this lady a contender. Li reached her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in January, narrowly defeated by Clijsters despite winning the first set. She was to go one better earlier this month, claiming the French Open title to become the first ever Chinese singles player to win a Grand Slam title. She beat a number of women given at least some hope by the bookies at Wimbledon. Li’s scalps included Petra Kvitova (10/1 bet365), Victoria Azarenka (16/1 Boylesports) and Maria Sharapova (9/2 favourite).

Prospects:
Arguably as good as any. The only player to make both of this year’s Grand Slam finals, on their vastly different surfaces; she is clearly a versatile performer these days. The confidence that the world number four will have gained from her triumph at Roland Garros can’t be overstated. It will be interesting to see how she handles her new-found fame in her homeland where she has suddenly become incredibly popular. That celebrity status carries with it expectation, and a new level of pressure that will be put to the test at Wimbledon.