“I’ve got to redeem myself.” That was the thought on Ann Li’s mind when after she was ousted by 182nd-ranked Kamilla Rakhimova at the 2020 French Open qualifiers. A year later, she did exactly that as she beat Margarita Gasparyan 6-0, 6-1 in just 46 minutes. And although she couldn’t go past R64, it was surely the start of Li’s lasting connection with Paris. Guess what? She’s back at the venue this week, for the third time. The 24-year-old rising American pro has already registered a win in her first round. Now she’s up for the next battle. But before that, it’s time to know more about this emerging talent who’s gradually making her presence felt at the 2025 French Open. So, who is Ann Li?

Ann Li was born in December 1999 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Details about her parents are mostly private at the time of writing. However, when it comes to taking up tennis professionally, she started playing the racket sport at a young age. Under the tutelage of 23-time slam winner Serena Williams’ childhood coach Rick Macci, Li worked on polishing her stroke-making skills. She shone at the junior level before making her ITF debut in 2016 and then managed to enter her maiden slam final, as a junior player, at the 2017 Wimbledon, where she was the runner-up after losing to compatriot Claire Liu.

In 2018, Ann Li turned pro and went on to win her maiden WTA title three years later. At the 2021 Tenerife Ladies Open, Li beat Camila Osorio in the final to clinch the trophy with a score line of 6-1, 6-4. Li’s rise has been visible in the rankings lately on the WTA’s list. She earned her best spot at No.44, back in January 2022. Currently, she sits at No.55. Speaking of her Grand Slam journey, it began in the year 2020 with the Australian Open. On her debut, she succeeded in clinching a first-round victory before losing to compatriot and eventual winner Sofia Kenin in R64. Coming into her best run in a slam, Li has managed to reach the round of 32 twice so far—once back in the 2020 US Open and once in the 2021 Australian Open.

Fun fact: When not engaged in her professional commitments, Li also likes to spend time watching movies, listening to music, and reading. When it comes to tennis idols, her favorite icon is 20-time slam champion, Swiss Maestro Roger Federer.

Thanks to her multiple slam and WTA appearances in recent years, Li has also made a good amount of fortune. To be precise, she’s amassed $2,193,225 of career prize money, according to her official WTA profile.

Coming back to her professional journey, it may go upwards this week in case she manages to reach the next round at the French Open. After ousting Argentina’s María Lourdes Carlé on Tuesday, she will look to keep up the winning momentum. But the road’s tough ahead as she’s set to face a solid opponent in Jessica Pegula.

Ann Li to face World No.3 and compatriot Jessica Pegula

Ann Li’s best run in a slam is reaching R32 (third round), but now it’s time to improve it. However, getting past an opponent like Jessica Pegula won’t be a walk in the park. The World No.3 and Li’s compatriot has been in fine form in 2025. Plus, she’s also won two WTA titles this season (Austin and Charleston). Speaking of her Roland Garros track record, Pegula has made it to the QF stage once, and that was back in 2022.

But for Li, the journey has been average to say the least. After clearing the first round in 2021, she couldn’t get past the R128 the following season (2022). Plus, she’s only playing her third campaign in Paris.

Interestingly, though, the H2H stats of these two players paint a favorable picture for Li. How? They have met only once on the professional level, back in 2018. As of now, Li is leading the tally 1-0 against Pegula. She beat her in the Lexington Semifinals, seven years ago, with a score line of 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Thursday’s meeting will mark their second face-off after a long gap.

Pegula’s coming off her first-round win over Romania’s Anca Todoni. The American ousted her in straight sets with a score line of 6-2, 6-4. Do you think Li will be able to make her maiden R32 appearance in Paris? Or will Pegula reign supreme over her? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.