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.
Second-ranked Li Na started her Madrid Open campaign by overcoming a stubborn opponent just as third-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska did to reach the second round on Monday.
Miami is one of the favorite stops on the WTA Tour because of the city's hip, youthful vibe, but the final of Sony Open on Saturday was more about the golden oldies as Serena Williams and Li Na took center stage.
Serena Williams won a record seventh Key Biscayne title Saturday when she overcame a slow start and a set point to beat Li Na 7-5, 6-1 at the Sony Open.
Li Na advanced to the final at the Sony Open by beating Dominika Cibulkova.
World No 2 Li Na has just upset former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki to make it into the last four of the Sony Open, setting up an Australian Open final's rematch with Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova in the semifinals.
World number one Serena Williams led a stampede of top seeds into the quarterfinals of the Sony Open on Monday but big sister and three-time Miami champion Venus could not join the party.
World No 2 Li Na finally made her first appearance at the Sony Open on Sunday, taming Madison Keys in an unsteady effort.
Tennis star Li Na held her position as the richest sports figure in China in 2013, earning 124.5 million yuan ($20 million), according to a domestic ranking.
Li Na overcame three set points Sunday to rally past American Madison Keys 7-6 (3), 6-3 and reach the fourth round at the Sony Open.
Li Na of China hula hoops with 10-year-old reporter Frankie Sanchez during an interview before WTA Sony Open Tennis
Li Na beat Dominika Cibulkova 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in a rematch of their Australian Open final, moving the Chinese star into the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday.
Normal service resumed at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Tuesday when Novak Djokovic safely booked his place in the fourth round of the men's draw and Li Na moved into the women's quarterfinals.
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