Li Na poses with her trophy after victory over Francesca Schiavone of Italy in the French Open final in Paris.

5. Li Na made history in January by becoming the first Asian and Chinese tennis player to make it to a grand slam singles final at the Australian Open. In June, she won the first-ever grand slam singles title for China and Asia, beating defending champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy 6-4, 7-6 (0) in the French Open final in Paris.