Zhang looking to follow Li's lead

Inspired by Grand Slam winner Li Na, China's current No 1 ace Zhang Shuai relishes the opportunity to stand tall for her country on the international tennis circuit.

Even without the revered Li fighting by their side, Chinese players competing at the French Open still sense the national pride at Roland Garros, where Li, now retired, won her first major singles championship in 2011 to put China on the global tennis map.

Zhang, the 27th seed in Paris, recalled her 2012 French Open campaign as an inspirational trip following Li's epic win the previous year.