Li Na hungers for world No. 1 ranking

Chinese tennis grand slam champion Li Na believes she is closer to the top of the tennis world.

The new-crowned Australian Open winner said ahead of the second annual BNP Paribas Showdown on Monday that a brilliant 2013 season plus the first grand slam of the year has boosted her confidence to win the top spot at the world rankings and another grand slam title.

"I want both world No. 1 and grand slam," Li said.

Li will take on 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur from Australia in the Hong Kong tournament.

Li said she had "reached her first goal" of the year by winning her second grand slam title after the French Open and was now seeking a third one.

"I really enjoy life now," she said. "I have learned a lot from the tennis court and won't give myself too much pressure."

Li expects more Chinese to do well in tennis. "Over 20 young Chinese played in junior events in the Australian Open and more and more Chinese youth have taken up the rackets," she said.

After the Hong Kong event, Li will, as the top seed, take part in the Indianapolis Tennis Championships, a WTA event she has never won.

"I am ready for Indianapolis," she said.