Despite loss in Australian Open Li Na remains confident
Despite defeat, Wuhan native is upbeat on emulating Sharapova with crown in France
China's Li Na was hopeful of claiming a second French Open win this year after her appearance in the Australian Open final ended in tears, injury and defeat.
The sixth seed from Wuhan did her best to put a positive spin on Saturday's loss to Victoria Azarenka, claiming it may be a good omen after she also lost the 2011 Melbourne final before triumphing in Paris.
Li was one set up when she twisted her left ankle, and then after a long break for Australia Day fireworks she fell again and banged her head, briefly blacking out.
The dazed Li, despite a crowd which was largely on her side, was unable to stop defending champion Azarenka, as the world No 1 took control of the deciding set to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Li said Maria Sharapova also lost last year's final before winning in Paris, and that Ana Ivanovic followed the same pattern in 2008.
"I think last year Maria did the same," said Li. "She lost the final here and she won the French. Also one year Ivanovic did the same. So I don't know, maybe I can do the same this year, as well."