Li Na Makes History, Again

Paul Ryding | Sep 4, 2013 11:15 am | Add a comment | 1778 reads

Chinese tennis ace Li Na has made the record books again overnight as she became the first Chinese player to reach the US Open semi-final. Asked by reporters how it felt to make history again, Li replied: "You know I always like to be the first one."

Following a scrappy 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2 win over Russia's Ekaterina Makarova, Li will now face either world number one Serena Williams or Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro.

The 31-year-old wasn't at her best during the quarter-final tie at Flushing Meadows, conceding eight double faults and 42 unforced errors, but in blustery conditions the world number six fought into the last four of a Grand Slam for the fifth time.

Li, who made the headlines earlier this week after she was cleared of doping allegations, has reported career earnings of almost USD 11.5 million and is a sporting icon in China. She remains China's first and only Grand Slam singles champion after her victory in the French Open back in 2011.

Photo: www.sports.qq.com