Clijsters denies Li her place in the Australian Open history books

Belgium’s Kim Clijsters came back from a set down to defeat Li Na in the final of the Australian Open on Saturday.

 

Belgium’s Kim Clijsters came back from a set down to defeat Li Na 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the Australian Open on Saturday, eliminating the Chinese hopes of a first ever Grand Slam singles title.

Clijsters led 4-2 in head-to-head matches before the final, but the most recent win went to Li who beat Clijsters 7-6, 6-3 in the Sydney International final two weeks ago after Kim led 5-0 in the first set.

Kim came out in command early in the final and got on top of Li quick, winning eight straight points to take a 2-0 lead before Li found her nerves, and settled down. Li broke Kim twice to take a 4-3 lead, and then closed out the first set with another break of serve, the first and only set that Kim lost during this years Australian Open.

Li was winning the battle of forehand winners, and mixed in some excellent angled volleys when she had the opportunity to get to the net. Li won most of the points she came to net on, but found it difficult to get to net often with Kim staying close to the baseline and hitting many deep balls.

Li who hits a very aggressive ball with little margin for error was showing no signs of nerves after the first two games. She settled in nicely and looked like she was going to out battle Kim.

LI NA

Residence: Wuhan, China

DOB: February 26, 1982

Birthplace: Wuhan, China

Height: 5' 7 3/4" (1.72 m)

Weight: 143 lbs. (65 kg)

Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)

Status: Pro (1999) Ranking: No. 7