Quiet achiever finally emerging from Li Na's vast shadow

Peng Shuai's soft-spoken demeanor hides a steely resolve that has seen the surprise US Open semifinalist through some rocky stretches on the road to tennis success.

In her 37th Grand Slam singles appearance, the 28-year-old Peng has at last made it past the fourth round and will battle on Friday for a place in the US Open final.