Li Na Wins Australian Opens

31-yrs old Li Na became the first Chinese woman to win the Australian opens when she beat Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova.

Li, seeded fourth, came through an edgy first set from both women to dominate the second and win 7-6 (7-3) 6-0.

It was Li’s 3rd Australian Open final and brings her a second major title after the 2011 French Open.

Li was urged on by a large contingent of Chinese supporters on Rod Laver Arena.

“Finally I got her [the Australian Open trophy],” said Li. “The last two finals were very close.

“Now I have to thank my team. Thanks to my agent for making me rich, thanks a lot.”

And speaking to her husband, who was courtside: “Thanks a lot, you are a nice guy. Also you are so lucky.”

Cibulkova said: “It was my first Grand Slam final and I’m just proud with the way I handled it.

“I wanted to play my best tennis but it wasn’t easy against her because she was playing extremely well, so I’m quite happy.”

Seven years older, with a 4-0 head-to-head record and facing a player making her Grand Slam final debut, Li had been a strong favourite against 20th seed Cibulkova.

In the event, it was a difficult call as to who was the more nervous in the early stages of the match.