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Li Na beats world No.1 Wozniacki in Australia Open

Updated: 2011-01-27 13:53

(Xinhua)

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 Li Na beats world No.1 Wozniacki in Australia Open

Li Na of China celebrates her victory over Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark during her semi-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 27, 2011. REUTERS

 

MELBOURNE, January 27 (Xinhua) -- Li Na becomes the first Chinese player to make it to a Grand Slam final, as she kicked out World No. 1 Catholine Wozniacki 3-6 7-5 6-3 in Thursday's semi-final of Australian Open.

The 11th seed Chinese woman spent two hours and 34 minutes to end Wozniacki's bid to win her title in Australian Open for the first time.

Both players were tight in the opening games but after the nerves settled, Wozniacki played her game smoothly and won the first set 6-3 in 39 minutes.

In the beginning of the second set, the World No. 1's consistency impressed, with Li hit 32 unforced errors throughout the set to virtually gift the Danish lead on 4-2. However, Li slowly get use to her opponent's pace, and managed fight back and won the tight set 7-5 in 65 minutes.

The third set begins with all excitements, with the pair looks to have expressed their best performance, not allowing each other to win each game. Li then managed to save her only match point to end the game in two hours and 34 minutes.

"I am so happy to become the first Chinese player to make it to a Grand Slam final," Li told reporters in Melbourne after the match.

 Li Na beats world No.1 Wozniacki in Australia Open

Li Na of China serves to Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark during their semi-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 27, 2011. REUTERS 

The 28-year-old Li has become a crowd favorite in Australian Open with highly talented and professional manner on the court to crash out her opponents. However, quickly after the game she turns to a nice, smart lady with quick wit and sharp sense of humor.

Li then go on to admit that this semi-final match is a bit nervous for her, as she did not have good sleep Wednesday night because of her husband's snoring.

When asked by journalist what gives her the power and determination to win the tight match, which she did not played too well at the beginning, Li joked that it was the prize money.

Li claimed champion in Sydney International earlier this month by defeating three-time U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Having reached the finals, Li is projected to return to World's top 10 next week at No. 7.

She will become No. 5 if she win the title. A Grand Slam win would also inspire a rush of new tennis players in China.

She will next face either Kim Clijsters or Vera Zvonareva.

 

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