By Erik Gudris

(August 18, 2012) -- After experiencing great highs after winning Roland Garros along with dismal lows last year, Li Na's current season has been less than newsworthy so far in 2012. But with her run to the finals in Montreal last week and now her appearance in the semis this week at the Western and Southern Open, the always candid Chinese star is focusing ahead on possibly yet another Major title.

"Right now I try to like stand up again, because I know start this year so many people ask me, 'When you retire?'," said Li after she beat top seed Agnieszka Radwanska yesterday. " So I mean, I really want to challenge for myself, try one more time to see, I mean, how far I can get."

One way she hopes will help her in that quest is a new coaching arrangement with Carlos Rodriguez who worked exclusively with Justine Henin throughout her career. Rodriguez and Li only met in person for the first time this week though he has been communicating with Li for a few months now.

"Yesterday was like first time to meeting, but before in Montreal and also in Olympics he always send me text message every match. So I think we have very good communication. He's living in China so I was asking he speak Chinese, but he say it's very tough to learn Chinese.  And also we talk about like why he come to my team, why I need him to help, blah, blah. I think it was very good, because we know each other a lot right now."

Li is set to face Venus Williams in tonight's semifinals and though she has a 2-0 record against the American, she plans on keeping it simple.

"I know she's tough opponent to play against. So, yeah, just come to the court. Just enjoy. Just play my tennis."

(Photo Credit: Western & Southern Open FB)