Clijsters won her first Australian Open title today.
Kim Clijsters added to her collection of Slam titles today with a
three-set victory over Na Li in the final of the Australian OpenKim Clijsters and Na Li thrilled the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, putting on an incredible show as they fought for the Australian Open title. After three action-packed sets, Clijsters ended up on top, winning the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Clijsters has now won three out of five majors since her return in 2009, and is closing in on Caroline Wozniacki’s No. 1 ranking spot.
The Belgian’s chances looked slim at the end of the first set, as Li dominated with an attacking approach. Clijsters soon settled, demonstrating her ability by mixing up her game and defending effectively against Li’s aggressive groundstrokes. When she eventually got her breakthrough in the second set Clijsters took control of the match, and Li never quite recovered.
Clijsters was elated after the match, crying tears of joy into her towel before thanking her fans and support team. Speaking after the match, Clijsters remarked, “I think what overwhelms me is that it’s so intense up until that last shot, and then all of a sudden it’s finished. Then it’s just like a big relief”.
Li’s relative lack of Slam experience seemed to contribute towards her defeat, though she rarely appeared to be uncomfortable on court. Her cause was not aided by comments made by a handful of Chinese fans who were trying to offer her advice as the match unfolded. “I don’t know why after I come to the final so many Chinese (fans were) coaching me on the court”, said Li.
“Of course the fans, they want I can win this match but they coach me how to play tennis on the court”. Having come so close to being China’s first singles Slam winner, Li will now be looking to put this disappointment behind her and focus on future Slams.
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