By Sean Bradley
Photo Credit: PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images
(June 2, 2011) Though Li Na, the 29-year-old Chinese player, is ranked marginally higher than Maria Sharapova (No. 7 and No. 8, respectively), Li was able to utilize the Russian’s weaknesses and move on to finals of the French Open. Li won in straight sets 6-4 7-5.
While Li played well, the game was more about the inability of Sharapova than the skill by Li. During the first set, Sharapova double faulted five times to Li’s zero. In the second set, Sharapova broke herself on a double fault. And if that weren’t enough, she lost the game on another double fault.
Of the match, Li said, “She has a huge and big serve, so I was like, 'Please, double-fault. That way I can win the match.’ I never believe myself I can be in final in French Open. I wish I can do even better on Saturday."
This will be Li’s second appearance at a Slam final after being named runner-up at the Australian Open earlier this year.