MX23RW : Saturday, November 23 22:24:28| >> :600:373388481:373388481:

Li Na to draw on experience

Li Na to draw on experience
© AP Photos
Li Na says that she will use her experience at the 2011 Australian Open final to her advantage this time around.

Australian Open finalist Li Na has said that she feels better prepared to cope with the pressure now than when she last reached the final in 2011.

The Chinese sixth seed lost 3–6 6–3 6–3 to Kim Clijsters two years ago, but went on to capture the French Open later that year.

A dominant 6-2 6-2 victory over Maria Sharapova helped seal a return to the final in Melbourne, where she will play world number one Victoria Azarenka.

Li admits that she felt nervous ahead of today's semi-final, but says that she soon felt at ease on the court.

"[At the] beginning of the match I was nervous," said Li. "I was happy I come back to semis again, but for some reason I really want to win the match.

"I don't know what happened today. Just come to the court, feeling like, Okay, just do it."

When asked whether being in the final felt different this time around, the 30-year-old replied: "I mean, 2011, first time to the Grand Slam final, I was a little bit shocked because I didn't know what I should do.

"Also, no-one told me what I should do on the court. But this time I got more experience, so I think should be better."

Li already has already won one title this year at the Shenzhen Open.

ID:65748: cacheID:65748:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2392:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Maria Sharapova reacts during her semifinal loss to Li Na at the Australian Open tennis championship on January 24, 2013
Read Next:
Sharapova: 'Li Na was more aggressive'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!