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Editor's Note
Li Na carried the hopes of her continent to become the first Asian player to make the French Open final. In a country where tennis is not that popular, a back-to-back Grand Slam final entry of a Chinese player is enough to boost the country and stun the world. Level-headed and fast on the court, the 29-year-old Hubei native has also become known for her quick wit. Whether she wins the French title or not, the new Chinese sensation has already inspired a generation of fans by ascending to the top of world tennis. |
New Milestone
After she missed the chance to make her Grand Slam breakthrough at the start of the year at the Australian Open, Li Na did not wait long for her second, in straight Gland Slam trips. |
Fast on Court
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Coach: She's Roger Federer in women |
Sharapova: She's well-deserved
She certainly played a lot better than I did and a lot more solid, and she played the crucial points better.
Schiavone: The final will be tough
I think she played an amazing year starting in the Australian Open final and she is a great person. It will be tough but this is tennis, someone has to lose.
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Quick Wit off Court
Sharapova's double faults gift me victory
She (Sharapova) has a huge and big serve, so I was like: 'Please, double-fault. That way I can win the match. I never believe myself I can be in final in French Open. I wish I can do even better on Saturday. Full Story I didn't slept well because he snored
I am always the number one...but I was nervous because I didn't get much sleep last night. My husband was snoring all night long... Full story
Slam win wouldn't boost China's tennis
Maybe for one month. After one month, everyone forgets (about her possible Slam title). Full Story
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Rugged Road after Australian Open
June 2, 2011 French Open Finalist May 7, 2011 Madrid Open semi-finalist May, 2011 Fresh start with new coach April 12, 2011 Retirement rumor February-April, 2011 Lingering low form Jan 27, 2011 Australian Open runner-up |
Hail from Media and Netizens
Reuters: She's not a one-hit wonder China's Li Na proved her Australian Open runners-up spot in January was no fluke by repeating the trick and reaching the French Open final after a commanding win over a windswept Maria Sharapova.
Rainbow: Proud of Chinese women
Ivan: Get the championship, make another breakthrough. Come on!
Alphabeta: Amazing Li Na!!!! She could definitely finish in the top 3 this year if she carry on playing like this on the tour...a champion that should inspire all young Chinese interested in tennis. She is my favorite for the French Open RG win this year. Good Luck Li Na.
Joeh: Bravo! |
Road to Final
1st rd: bt Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3 2nd rd: bt Silvia Soler-Espinosa, Spain, 6-4, 7-5 3rd rd: bt Sorana Cirstea, Romania, 6-2, 6-2 4th rd: bt 9-Petra Kvitova, Czech Republic, 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 QF: bt 4-Victoria Azarenka, Belarus, 7-5, 6-2 SF: bt 7-Maria Sharapova, Russia, 6-4, 7-5 |
The rise of China's women
2004 August - Sun Tiantian and Li Ting win China's first Olympic gold medal in the sport in the women's doubles at the Athens Games. October - Li Na is the first Chinese to win a WTA Tour singles title, in Guangzhou. 2005 January - Zheng Jie wins her first WTA Tour title at Hobart. 2006 January - Zheng Jie and Yan Zi win China's first grand slam title in the women's doubles at the Australian Open. May - Zheng wins the first all-Chinese final at a WTA event when Li Na withdraws injured from the Estoril final. June - Li Na becomes the first Chinese player to reach the quarter-finals of grand slam at Wimbledon. Zheng and Yan win a second grand slam doubles title. 2008 June - Zheng, a 133rd-ranked wildcard, beats top seed Ana Ivanovic on her way to the semi-finals at Wimbledon, the first Chinese to reach the last four at a grand slam. August - Zheng and Yan win bronze in women's doubles at the Beijing Olympics, while Li Na misses out on a medal after defeat to Vera Zvonareva in the bronze medal match. 2010 January - Zheng and Li Na reach the last four at the Australian Open, the first time China has had two players in the last four at a grand slam. Lose to Justine Henin and eventual champion Serena Williams respectively. - Li Na becomes the first Chinese player to reach the women's top 10 in the world rankings. 2011 January - Li comes back from 5-0 down in the first set to beat Kim Clijsters in the final and win the Sydney International, her first "premier" level WTA title. - Peng Shuai beats seventh seed Jelena Jankovic on her way to her first grand slam fourth round appearance at Melbourne Park. - Li beats world number one and top seed Caroline Wozniacki in the semi-finals of the Australian Open to become the first Chinese to reach a grand slam singles final, losing to Kim Clijsters. - Li reaches a second consecutive grand slam final at the French Open after beating Maria Sharapova in the last four. |