Li Na already eying French Open defence | Thebigtip

China ushered in a new superstar in 2011 when Li Na thwarted defending champion Francesca Schiavone in her attempts to win successive Roland Garros titles.

A richly-deserved 6-4 7-6(0) victory, which included successes against four top-10 seeds, meant the-then sixth seed became the first Asian female to win a Grand Slam title and brought her new fame and riches in her homeland.

The right-hander will start the 2012 showpiece event as a 12/1 in the best Roland Garros odds to become the first female to win back-to-back titles in Paris since four-time winner Justine Henin.

The Wuhan native, whose previous best prior to winning was reaching only the fourth round in 2009, will not have it easy and this is reflected in the prices of some of her peers.

Petra Kvitova, who powered her way to Wimbledon victory in 2011, is the market principle at 4/1 and free-swinging Czech star has to be respected.

Serena Williams hit 37 unforced errors in a shocking 6-2 6-3 defeat to the world number 56 Ekaterina Makarova at the 2012 Australian Open, and, while never written off, questions marks about her commitment to the sport suggests she is perhaps vulnerable as the 6/1 next best in the betting.

The US superstar has done well to overcome illness and injury but prolonged spells away from tennis has allowed her contemporaries to close the gap and the former world number one no longer appears to bully her opponents.

Belarus right-hander Victoria Azarenka kick-started 2012 by winning a ninth WTA title in Sydney and, at the 7/1 on offer, could appeal. Last year was her most productive campaign to date – she won three WTA Tour titles – and will be looking to improve on her record on the red surface.

Sam Stosur got to the final in the French capital in 2010 but last year went one better by winning the US Open in New York City. The Australian is as tough as old boots and is available at 8/1.

Caroline Wozniacki, a 12/1 chance, said she was not concerned by losing her world number one status at the 2012 Australian Open but her record against the elite has to be a concern.

The Danish pin-up won six WTA Tour titles last year but at a time when no one individual is tearing up the women's game – four different players won the majors in 2011 – Wozniacki continues to fall short.

Much will depend on her response to losing her 'paper crown' in what promises to be another wide-open Roland Garros.