Li Na has booked a place in the third round of the Italian Open after beating Australian qualifier Casey Dellacqua in straight sets this evening.
The second seed picked up an early break in the first set to put her opponent under pressure, but the Chinese had to defend a break point to maintain her advantage.
She managed to keep the first set on serve before wrapping up four in a row to claim the opener 6-1.
Li was in control again in the second set, serving for the match while 5-2 up after just an hour on court.
However, Dellacqua fought back, breaking her opponent before holding serve in the next game to leave her just a game behind.
In a tight 10th game in the second set, Li faced two more break points, but eventually forced advantage before wrapping up the match.
Li will face either Sam Stosur or Elena Vesnina in the third round.
Sian Cowper
