Li, Serena, Radwanska progress in China Open

Chinese star defeats Hantuchova in straight sets to reach round two.


Afp September 29, 2013
Serena Williams of the U.S. pumps her fist after winning a point during her match against Russia's Elena Vesnina at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing September 29, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS

BEIJING: Li Na said she was enjoying her most consistent season ever after she won her first match at the China Open yesterday, joining top seed Serena Williams in the second round.

The Chinese star opened her bid for her biggest title on home soil in stunning fashion by winning every game in the first set against Daniela Hantuchova, much to the enjoyment of her fans at Beijing’s National Tennis Centre.

Hantuchova did not get on the scoreboard until the hour mark, with the 2011 French Open singles champion cruising at 4-0 in the second set and seemingly in command.

The Slovakian, who has beaten Li four times in their previous six meetings, then staged an impressive comeback until Li regained her composure to close in on victory 6-0, 6-4.

The Chinese star has faced scrutiny in the past for seemingly breaking down in matches, but the 31-year-old said her only problem in Beijing could be that she was too relaxed this year, following a strong season.

“I think I had a pretty good match until I was 4-0 up in the second set, and then I thought ‘OK, maybe I should relax a little’,” said Li.

“But at this level you cannot do this. It just gives the opponent time to take their chance.”

Li also said she was not under pressure to perform in Beijing, adding: “I think this season I am having the most consistent performances of my career.”

Top seed Serena overcomes Vesnina

Joining her in the second round is top seed and 2004 champion Serena, who claimed a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Russia’s Elena Vesnina.

Another former champion, Agnieszka Radwanska, overcame early tournament nerves to cruise through to the next stage.

The Polish world number four and 2011 winner in Beijing lost the opening set of her first-round match to a feisty Stefanie Voegele, who is ranked 52 places behind her.

But the tournament’s third seed recovered her composure to seal a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory which sent her Swiss opponent out at the first hurdle.

British number one Laura Robson also won her opening game, with a three set victory over Czech Klara Zakopolava.

But it was heartbreak for Australia’s top player, Samantha Stosur, at the dual WTA and ATP tournament. The 15th seed lost in two sets to Czech Lucie Safarova, 7-5, 6-3.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2013.

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