Tennis News : Robson and Na out of China Open

Robson's current world ranking of 146 is the highest of her career so far

British number four Laura Robson lost in straight sets in the first round of the WTA Tour China Open.

The 17-year-old was beaten 6-4 6-3 by Slovenia's Polona Hercog in Beijing.

French Open champion Li Na also went out in front of her home fans on Sunday as she was defeated 6-4 6-0 by Romanian qualifier Monica Niculescu.

World number five Li said: "I've just lost all confidence now. I don't know what I can do. Even winning one point is tough for me."

Continue reading the main story

I need a long break - for the body and the mind

Li Na

Li dropped serve six times against Niculescu and lost in just under 90 minutes.

"For me it seems like the end of the season right now," she added.

"I need a long break - for the body and the mind. Hopefuly I can start again and prepare for next year."

Hercog's reward for beating Robson is a tie with number two seed Victoria Azarenka.

Dominika Cibulkova and Kaia Kanepi also made it through to the second round, while Sabine Lisicki made it through as Irina-Camelia Begu was forced to retire after losing the first set 6-2.

Former world number one Ana Ivanovic beat Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-1 6-1.