Li 鈥榬eady鈥 to capture major opportunity
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When Li Na thinks back to her first Australian Open final, she doesn’t recall feeling nervous. Just very excited.
The 31-year-old Chinese star makes her third attempt at winning the championship in Melbourne today. This time she’s nervous.
Experience has taught her how to play on tennis’ biggest stages, Li said yesterday.
“Come to the court. Just play. Don’t think too much,” said Li, who this time is considered the favorite to win the Australian Open.
After two weeks of stunning upsets cleared away Li’s top competitors, she will face No. 20-seeded Dominika Cibulkova, an unheralded but explosive player who has steamrolled through the tournament with the carefree spirit of a player with nothing to lose. The 24-year-old Slovakian beat No. 3 Maria Sharapova in the fourth round and No. 5 Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifinals.
“Everyone has a chance to win the title,” Li said. “I think I’m ready. Same like her.”
Cibulkova and Li have played four times with the Chinese winning every match.
One thing Li did talk about is how much she’s changed. The Li Na in this year’s final is not the same player that lost to Victoria Azarenka in 2013, or to the now-retired Kim Clijsters in 2011.
Li’s breakthrough came at the 2011 Australian Open when she became the first Chinese player to reach a grand slam final.
Li lost in Melbourne that year, but a few months later at the French Open became the first Chinese player to win a major.
Her 2013 final was one of the most unusual ever played at Melbourne Park, with Li crashing to the court and nearly knocking herself out. A doctor rushed out and performed a neurological exam as the hushed crowd watched.
Li has also spoken about the revisions she’s made to her game under the guidance of coach Carlos Rodriguez, the former coach of seven-time major winner Justine Henin.
“I’ve changed a lot,” Li said.
Since last season, she has worked on changing her grip when she serves and hits backhands, resulting in more power and consistency. She’s also playing more aggressive at the net, which was not an easy sell.
In contrast to her seriousness on court, Li is quick to crack jokes in interviews. Asked if she felt her third final could be the charm, Li said luck will have nothing to do with it.
“In China, six and eight are lucky,” she said, smiling.
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