Li Na rewrites Grand Slam singles history

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Chinese tennis fans are extremely excited, after the country's highest ranked female player, Li Na, beat top seed Caroline Wozniacki in Thursday's Australian Open semifinals. This makes her the nation's first player to reach a grand slam singles championship match.

The 28-year-old from Wuhan fought it out with Denmark's world number one for two hours and 35 minutes, before clinching the match 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in Melbourne.

The audience was very excited about her success, and expects Li to play her best in the final, where she will meet Belgium's Kim Clijsters on Saturday.

University student Yang Yi said, "I think it's not easy for Li Na to go so far. I look forward to seeing her play better, and making a great effort in the final. She used a lot of energy in today's semifinal. But in the final, I think she will try her best."

Though tennis doesn't have a long history in China, the sport has gained popularity in recent years, as some of its female players began compiling impressive results.

Many think Li Na's breakthrough is an encouragement for the court game's development in the country.

IT worker Mr. Liu said, "I think this is a very important moment for Li Na herself, as well as the entire Chinese tennis industry. We're very proud of her. After all, Chinese tennis has just started."

Having reached the year's first Grand Slam final, Li is projected to return to world top 10 next week at number 7. She claimed the Sydney International title earlier this month, by defeating three-time US Open champion Kim Clijsters.

Editor:Zhang Jingya |Source: CNTV.CN


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