China's first Grand Slam champion, Li, has plunged into a career valley following her French Open victory in May, suffering early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open. Her unexpected first-round exit at the China Open even triggered some catcalls from the home crowd.
Italian veteran Flavia Pennetta on Friday scored a gritty victory over world number one and defending champion Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark to set up a semifinal clash against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland at the China Open.
World number one Caroline Wozniacki crashed out of the prestigious China Open after slumping to Italian veteran Flavia Pennetta 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (2) in the quarterfinals on Friday.
World No. 12 Agnieszka Radwanska booked a berth of the semifinal due to the injury retirement of Serbian former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic at China Open in Beijing on Friday.
Former champion Maria Kirilenko looked to be at about her peak of her hardcourt game at the prestigious China Open, making it to the quarterfinals after beating Tamira Paszek of Austria in straight sets on Thursday.
World number one Caroline Wozniacki and former champion Maria Kirilenko both reached last eight at the China Open on Thursday but followed different paths.
Former world number one Ana Ivanovic of Serbia will return to Bali in November to defend her Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions title after receiving the first wild card for the event on Thursday.
Home singles players' advance in the China Open WTA tournament finally came to a halt when the former Wimbledon and Australian Open semifinalst Zheng Jie lost to Agnieszka Radvanska of Poland on Wednesday.