China's Li Na hits a return during the women's singles semifinal match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2011. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
MELBOURNE, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Li Na is on fire to become 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 semifinal of Australia Open.
The Chinese woman spent two hours and 34 minutes to end Wozniacki's bid for Australian Open title.
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 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 got used to her opponent's pace, and managed to fight back and win the tight set 7-5 in 65 minutes.
The third set begins with all excitements, with the pair looks to have staged their best performance, not allowing each other to win each game.
Li then managed to score 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 with a smile on her face. "I always be the first one."
She will next face the winner between Kim Clijsters and Vera Zvonareva.
China's Li Na competes during the women's singles semifinal match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2011. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
China's Li Na eyes at the ball during the women's singles semifinal match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 27, 2011. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
