Australian Open 2011: Na Li ends Caroline Wozniacki’s maiden title dream
They say history repeats itself, and the crowd at Rod Laver Arena witnessed the ages-long phenomena as the top Dane, Caroline Wozniacki was ousted once again from the Australian Open by Chinese number one, Na Li.
Li had defeated Wozniacki in the fourth round in Australian Open 2010.
Playing their semi-final match at the Melbourne Park on Day 11, Li defeated Wozniacki to become the first Chinese woman ever to reach a Grand Slam final. Appearing for the sixth time in the event, Li surpassed her previous career best at the event. She had
previously made it as far as the semis in 2010 before losing to eventual champion, Serena Williams.
It seems the absence of Serena Williams from the event has played in the Chinese’s favour though it could not help Wozniacki in her dream of a maiden Grand Slam win. Bouncing back from being one set down, Li was able to do away with the Dane in three sets.
Serving first, Wozniacki broke Li’s serve in the second game and secured a 2-0 lead. The Dane was able to extend this lead to 4-2 when she broke Li’s serve again in the sixth game. Winning the next two of three games, Wozniacki won the first set 6-3.
Early into the second set, Wozniacki broke Li’s service in the third game after six deuces to lead the score 3-1. Trailing the set 2-4, Li fought long and hard to level the score at 5-5 and eventually clinched a 7-5 victory in the second set.
At one set apiece, the pair entered the deciding set. Breaking service in the fourth and sixth game, Li was able to secure a 6-3 win in the third set, securing a berth for herself in the final.
Losing only 45 of 101 points on service, Li was able to convert seven of ten break points to secure a three-set win for herself.
The Chinese will next play either Kim Clijsters or Vera Zvonareva for a shot at a maiden Grand Slam win.
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