Two-time finalist Li Na saved a match point before clawing back to record a three-set victory over Czech Lucie Safarova in the third round of the Australian Open here Friday.
The Chinese fourth seed, a finalist in 2011 and last year, won 1-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 in two and a half hours to set up a clash with Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Makarova for a place in the quarterfinals, reports Xinhua.
Li served inconsistently and failed to take advantage of key break-point chances for much of the first two sets.
But she dominated the tie-breaker, then broke the 24th-seeded Safarova in the eighth game of the deciding set before serving out.
"In the beginning she played very nice, very good and it was tough to find any rhythm," Li said of her opponent.
"I'm happy I was able to fight and win the match. I just tried to play at the baseline and move the ball around the court."
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app