Peng, currently No 22 in the world, now shoulders hopes in China following the retirement last year of two-time grand slam champion Li Na. The Chinese ace made a breakthrough at the US Open last year, reaching her first grand slam semi-final and up setting fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska. Her run at Flushing Meadows only came to an end when she was forced to retire against Caroline Wozniacki in the semis due to cramp.