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Li Na storms into quarterfinals at Australian Open

Source: Xinhua | January 19, 2014, Sunday | Online Edition

Two-time runner-up Li Na took less an hour to beat Russia's 22nd-seeded Ekaterina Makarova 6-2, 6-0 and to reach the quarterfinals at the Australian Open today.

The Chinese broke Makarova's serve five times to set up a quarterfinal clash with Italian veteran Flavia Pennetta. The No. 23 seed Pennetta beat Germany's ninth-seeded Angelique Kerber in three sets.

"Though I won Friday's match, I was not in my best form and failed to do what the coach told me to," said Li. "So I tried to be more aggressive today." Li saved a match point and came from behind to beat Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic 1-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3 in Friday's third-round match.

"I really made Carlos sad for the match two days ago. Even yesterday I know if I didn't do something, for sure he would be pissed," said Li. "So I tried a lot yesterday and also in today's match. At least today I think I make him a little bit happier and feel much better."

Li also improved her record against the 25-year-old Russian to 5-0. Their last meeting was at the 2013 US Open quarterfinals, in which Li won 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2.

Pennetta, who's one day elder than Li, has played the best tennis of her career since returning last year from a wrist injury, which caused her ranking to drop as low as No.166. [ Back to the court from injury, the Italian reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open and now her first quarterfinals at the Australian Open.

Pennetta and Li tied 2-2 in their previous four meetings. Pennatta won their last meeting 6-2, 7-6 (4), which was in Sydney in 2010.

"Before she was injured, it was always a tough match to play with her. I think she played well since the US Open, and here also," said Li. "But we haven't played for at least two years. Two years can change a lot of things, so let's just see who plays better on court."

"It's going to be completely a different match," said Pennetta. "Li is so good. Like she's one of the best players. Backhand, unbelievable. Forehand, really good. And physically she's strong. So it's going to be really a good fight on court."

Li, who lost to Victoria Azarenka in the 2013 final at Melbourne Park and to Kim Clijsters in 2011, reached quarterfinals for the third time in four years and also improved her record at the Australian Open to 31 victories from 39 matches.

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