Kim Clijsters
The Australian Open 2011, women’s singles final event was effervescent, the sets between Li Na from China and the Belgian superstar Kim Clijsters was nail-biting indeed. The former World No. 1, Kim proved her mettle by clinching the 2011 women’s title on the other hand, Li made history by becoming the first Grand Slam singles finalist from China.
Li’s start was one of a kind, a legendary opening, Li Na started strongly with the set of 6-3 putting a double-fold pressure on Kim. The first set was a struggle at close quarters. Clijsters yet made a comeback with similar set 6-3 by pulling one set in her kitty. The penultimate set was crucial for Kim as it was the match deciding hour.
It was evident on Li’s face that she was bit edgy in her first major final. Li is a ninth seeded player and had been a real warrior when it came to the grounds, ceaseless fighting over the past fortnight made her come for the final event with the record of 11-0 in this year. The fact that this Chinese racket queen made the world-class player Kim lost momentarily in the first set has to be saluted.
Kim won with 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 and this also happens to be Kim’s first major title outside NY (three-time US Open champion). The final set should have been more recounting but malformed under pressure, Li seemed to have lost. This victory has accelerated Kim’s position to No. 2 in the ATP ranking.
Clijsters said “I am little shaky still, Li was definitely a tough competitor” to the reporters. Li Na despite her loss was graceful and charmed the crowd.
Tags: Australian Open, Australian Open 2011, Kim Clijsters, Li Na, Tennis
