Wozniacki defends Li Na after surviving her own China scare

(CNN) -- Caroline Wozniacki survived a first round scare at the China Open Monday then defended French Open champion Li Na who has been the subject of fierce criticism for exiting at the same stage to a lowly-ranked opponent.

World No.1 Wozniacki looked to be heading the same way as she lost the first set to Czech Lucie Hradecka and wobbled in the decider, but pulled through 3-6 6-0 7-5.

There was no such fortune for Li Sunday as she went out in straight sets to Romanian qualifier Monica Niculescu, a defeat that left a large and partisan home crowd in Beijing stunned.

Li has struggled since her grand slam triumph at Roland Garros in May but Wozniacki understands the weight of expectation.   More

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