It is the second time Li Na was nominated for the award in Laureus, an Oscar-like ceremony after she became a candidate in 2012.
Leading contenders for women's title: Victoria Azarenka (BLR), Maria Sharapova (RUS), Serena Williams (USA), Agnieszka Radwanska (POL), Li Na (CHN).
Tennis royalty is Down Under to try to capture the first major crown of the year, but two players should rise above all others in the opening test of 2013, which starts on Monday. 
Leading contenders for women's title
Li Na has come closer than any Asian to winning the Australian Open singles crown and, if she can avoid a Melbourne Park meltdown, may add another to her lengthy list of tennis "firsts" next week.
Former world number two Svetlana Kuznetsova defied sweltering heat to beat seventh seed Caroline Wozniacki in the second round of the Sydney Intl.
Top seed Li Na survived a mid-match meltdown to overcome Czech Klara Zakopalova 6-3 1-6 7-5 in the final of the inaugural Shenzhen Open on Saturday, earning the Chinese a seventh career title.
The highly-anticipated all-China showdown between the country’s No 1 player, Li Na, and No 2 Peng Shuai provided a great opportunity for Li to improve her mental toughness ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year — the Australian Open.
The life of a professional tennis player is tough as you never seem completely free to do whatever you like - even in the off-season.
Chinese tennis star, Li Na, is gaining in confidence as she adjusts her long-time playing style.
A revitalized Li Na will begin her 2013 season at home after the WTA added a new tournament to its schedule in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.
A bold move four years ago eventually saw a Grand Slam title realized, so it's now time to push even harder.
In a year of surprises, from Roger Federer's 17th Grand Slam title and Andy Murray's first major victory to Serena Williams' Golden Slam, the biggest story with Chinese tennis was still Li Na playing herself in 2012.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus will finish the year as world number one after a 7-6 6-3 win over China's Li Na in her final round robin match at the WTA Championships on Friday.
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