Two-time finalist Li Na took less than an hour to beat Russia's 22nd-seeded Ekaterina Makarova 6-2, 6-0 and to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open here Sunday.
The Chinese broke Makarova's serve five times to set up a quarterfinal clash with Italy's Flavia Pennetta, Xinhua reported.
Pennetta beat Germany's ninth-seeded Angelique Kerber in three sets.
Li also improved her record against the 25-year-old Russian to 5-0. Their last meeting was at the 2013 US Open quarterfinals, in which Li won 6-4, 6-7(5-7), 6-2.
Li Na, who lost to Victoria Azarenka in the 2013 final at Melbourne Park and to Kim Clijsters in 2011, reached the quarterfinal for the third time in four years and also improved her record at the Australian Open to 31 victories from 39 matches.
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