China’s Li Na, seeded 25th, is the only representative of Asia still alive in the singles draw of Roland Garros 2009 after the fourth day of play.
Li defeated Swiss Timea Bacsinszky 6-1 6-4 to advance to the third round, while compatriot Zheng Jie, seeded 15th, was upset by Grand Slam debutant Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal 6-4 6-3 in the second round. China’s No.31 seed Peng Shuai lost in the first round to Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez.
Japan’s Ai Sugiyama, who extended her record for consecutive appearances in Grand Slam main draws to 60, and her compatriot Ayumi Morita both lost in the first round, along with India’s Sania Mirza.
Defending champion Ana Ivanovic made a much more convincing score than in her first-round match and beat Thai Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-1 6-2.
Li is now the only Asian women’s tennis player left out of the seven who entered the tournament.
