Li Na gets revenge on Robson, reaches final 16

Li Na of China celebrate her victory over Laura Robson of Britain at the US Open tennis championships in New York August 30, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK - Chinese number one female player Li Na had paid special attention to Friday's US Open third round match against British teenager Laura Robson, who surprisingly knocked her out of the tournament at the same round last year.

Li didn't let that happen again.

The fifth seed powered 11 Aces to dominate the match, beating the 12-year younger opponent 6-2, 7-5 to reach the last 16.

"The age is only on paper, and today is always younger tomorrow, " said Li about the age difference.

The first set began with a break from Li. The former French Open champion made full use of Robsons mistakes, breaking twice to establish a 4-1 lead. Both players were able to hold their serves in the rest games of first set, which was finished with Li's 6-2 win.

Robson stroked much better in the second set. The rising star of Britain made a break in the second game, and found herself leading 3-0. However, three games were not enough to defeat the world number six. Li shrugged off the pressure to keep her second service game, and break back in the next to get back into match.

The two players went into the eleventh game with 5-5. Li awarded herself three straight break points by leading 40-0. Robson saved the first two break points, but failed in the second. The match went in favour of Li in the twelfth game, and the 31- year-old veteran sealed the victory after wasting one match point.

Li Na of China hits a return to Laura Robson of Britain at the US Open tennis championships in New York August 30, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]