Li Na becomes 1st Chinese to reach grand slam singles final

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China's Li Na has made history at the Australian Open. Li Na, becoming the first Chinese to reach a grand slam singles final. Li, beating the current best in the world Caroline Wozniacki for a chance to play for the title in Melbourne.

Li had a tough opening set against the current World no. 1 Wozniacki as the Dane jumped to 4-2 lead quickly.

Wozniacki then stretched to 5-3 and went on to close out the set 6-3 after Li challenged for a reply shot, which proved to be out.

Things looked to be going the way of Wozniacki as she opened the second set with a 4-2 lead, but then Li restored her composure. With powerful baseline strokes, Li battled back to tie the set at 4-4.

>>Pictures: Li Na attends press conference after defeating Wozniacki

China's Li Na hits a return during the women's singles semifinal match against Caroline
Wozniacki of Denmark at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.
27, 2011.(Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)

The Dane began to commit unforced errors against Li's forehands as Li made it 6-5.

The Dane lost her nerve and doubled faulted then when the Chinese won the second set 7-5, forcing the decider.

Both players! struggl ed to hold serve in a final set of unrelenting tension, but Li captured the decisive break at 4-3 and made it to 5-3.

Li's match point featured a long rally, but Li stood firm, sealed the set 6-3 win a forehand winner. Li Na prevails 3-6 7-5 6-3 to reach her first Grand Slam singles final.

Li is also the first Chinese to do so.



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