Veteran Chinese star Li Na said age is merely a number and working with coach Carlos Rodriguez has made her excited about the possibilities of the next WTA season.

Despite losing to Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-0 in the semifinals at the China Open on Saturday, Li appeared in a relatively happy mood after her quarterfinal victory a day earlier over Agnieszka Radwanska had already secured her a berth at the year-end WTA Championships.

"I was happy to be in the semis at the China Open because last year I didn't do well. Also, I knew if I did well I could be in Istanbul (Turkey), so that was more important for me," said Li, who lost in the first round at last year's Open.

"It's the only big tournament in China, so I really wanted to show a lot of Chinese how good I am. Like today, I was trying my best on the court, and I only can say Maria was better than me," she said.

Compared with other high-ranking players, Li surged into the top flight of women's tennis late. The 30-year-old reached her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in 2011 and won her first Slam title at the French Open four months later, which also sent her to a career-high ranking of world No 4. She also qualified for her first year-end WTA Championships as a legitimate contender that year.

Though coming to an age which is regarded to symbolize the twilight of a professional career, Li said she is not considering retirement.

"I think age is nothing. Just on paper - plus one and one again," Li said. "I am feeling healthy right now. I still can run on the court. I'm still (among the) top in the world. Why I should stop? I should continue my dream and just keep going."

Her partnership with coach Rodriguez has made Li even more optimistic about next season.

"I am really looking forward to the Champions and also to next year, and I think I will be more positive since we have a very pleasant cooperation," Li said. "Our whole team had a goal this year and that was to participate into the WTA Championships. Eventually, at the last minute, we make our wish come true.

"So, I am very satisfied with my performance and past decisions," said Li, who will travel to Germany for fitness training after the tournament and meet her team again in Istanbul to prepare for WTA Championships.

Li refused to compare Rodriguez with former coach Thomas Hogstedt, who is now coaching Sharapova. Meanwhile the Russian said she earned Saturday's victory through experience.

"Thomas was a very experienced coach before he started working with Li," said the 25-year-old Russian. "I have played Li many times before, so I think it's just about knowing what has worked against her in the past and trying to use that.

"I have beaten her the past couple of times, before that I had a few losses," she said. "It's not so important to focus on what your opponent is doing; but trying to be confident in your game and enforcing that during the match."

tangzhe@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/07/2012 page12)