Seeded no.1, Li Na was widely expected to win in Shenzen, but the final wasn’t as smooth as many anticipated.
Li Na – Zapolakova 6-3 1-6 7-5
The Chinese started the match in good fashion to win the opener 6-3. Then she imploded to be trashed in the 2nd set 6-1. Li Na had to regroup to lead 5-2 in the decider. An easy win? Not really as the Czech fought back to draw 5-5. Li Na won her serve game to then break Zapolakova in the 12th game to be the first champion of the Shenzen Open.
Eventually Li Na got the match by winning the same games as Zapolakova (14) and … 1 point less than the Czech (88 vs 89).
Li Na’s serve problems
The Chinese has definitely to improve something on her serve has she committed a whopping 10 double faults (no aces), she served only 59% serves in and she won only 56% of her first serve points. She was broken also 7 times out of 14 service games…something to have a look at.
From Li Na
“Klara played well and I managed my mood swings well, and I’m glad I made it,” Li said
Winning the title certainly helps boost my confidence for the coming weeks, but it also depends on how I’m playing on the courts. Confidence itself won’t guarantee a win.
But I’m very happy to win and the Shenzhen Open was a great tournament – I believe it will get even better in future years.”
From Zapolakova
“It was about a few points today but she really proved she’s a top player – she played her best from 5-all,” Zakopalova said.
“She’s playing unbelievably fast and flat, and she’s hitting her backhand down the line very well. To me she’s one of the top three players right now and I hope she can make it there.
There’s no way to be sad about losing. I lost to a top player and I’m happy to reach the final.”
