Melbourne: But one of Asia's brightest tennis hopes is having to rely on long-distance coaching after her husband-trainer was unable to get an Australian visa in time.

Na, a first-round loser at Melbourne Park a year ago, has been reviving her form after reaching the Sydney semi-finals last week, where she lost to Kim Clijsters.

The 24-year-old admitted that she has to confer nightly with husband Jiang Shan about her matches.

"He didn't apply for the visa in time, so he's working from China," said the world number 16.
 

 "I call him every day and we talk about the matches," she said.

Na was joined in the second round by compatriot Shuai Peng, who defeated Andreja Klepac of Slovenia 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. China's Meng Yuan lost to American Ashley Harkleroad 6-3, 6-0 a year after winning a match as a qualifier at the venue.

Na has made fast progress with a Wimbledon quarter-final last summer. But getting through the first test in Melbourne was a huge confidence boost.
 

"There was no way I wanted to lose again in the first," she said.

"The conditions here are different than Sydney," said Na, who broke on five of seven occasions.

"This is a Grand Slam and it's very important to do well. The hot weather makes it even more tough. I'm feeling good mentally. I'm trying to trust myself on every point and play round by round," she said.