Li Na became the first Chinese and first Asian to win a Grand Slam tournament at Roland Garros, beating Italy’s Francesca Schiavone, the defending champion, in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (7 / 0).
China had already won three titles in mixed doubles and ladies in grand slams, but no singles. Before her, no Chinese had ever reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros.
Li Na, 29, has succeeded where she failed, in January at the Australian Open, losing in the final by Belgian Kim Clijsters.
Monday, she will become the first Chinese to enter the Top 5 in fourth place.