LONDON, June 21-- French Open champion Li Na of China defeated Alla Kudryavtseva from Russia 6-3, 6-3 to reach the women 's singles second round at the Wimbledon Championships on Tuesday. "It's tough," said, the third seed, who took 67 minutes to see off the world No. 72. "In the beginning, she had huge, big serve, and in grass she was playing more flat balls, so I have to rally every second." Earlier this month, Li became the first Asian player to win a Grand Slam singles title at Roland Garros, but the world No. 4 said she has no extra pressure while coming here. "Everybody said congratulations to me here, but that's all about French Open which was over," said the 29-year-old. "I felt no pressure at all. I just began to play another tournament and what I need to do is focusing on my game." Li reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year before she lost to the champion Serena Williams. The two are possible to set up another quarterfinal clash this year, but Li just wanted to say congratulations to the American ace right now. "I'm glad to see her back to the tour and I had said it to her at Eastbourne," said Li. "After all, she has been absent for almost a year." Williams, 29, began her title defending journey as the eighth seed and needed one hour and 31 minutes to defeat the world No. 61 Rezai from France 6-3, 3-6 and 6-1. The 13-time Grand Slam champion shed tears after the victory. " It's not for winning the match. It was all bout being out there." |