Chinese tennis sensation Li Na is geared up to taken on Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the Australian Open 2013 women’s final. The tournament has already had its share of joys and sorrows apart from surprises and jitters. If the shock exit of Russian beauty Maria Sharapova has surprised one and all, then the loss of World no 3 Serena Williams was equally shocking.
Meanwhile, the men’s quarter-finals and semi-finals too were no different either. Firstly, it was the ouster of Spanish player David Ferrer who lost to Novak ‘The Joker’ Djokovic rather tamely. Secondly, it was the biggest upsets of the year yet with the defeat of Swiss star Roger Federer at the hands of Scot player Andy Murray.
Li Na would be the central attraction again as she will take on the Belarusian during the final on Saturday. Though the Chinese star lost to Belgian Kim Clijsters exactly two years back, the situation has changed so much after she won her maiden Grand Slam title at the Roland Garros last year surprising the entire tennis fraternity.
However, the situation is a little for Azarenka as she managed to get through some nervous moments by ousting her opponents at crucial junctures to reach the final. It really needs to be seen whether Li can cause another upset or go down fighting again.
"Last time was more exciting, I was more nervous," said Li, who is highly tipped to emerge as the tournament's oldest women's champion. "It was my first time to be in a (Grand Slam) final. This time, I'm more calm. More cool, a little bit."
Blocking her path might be the 23-year-old Azarenka, the lanky Belarusian who is defending her only Grand Slam title as of now, and will prolong her almost year-long wait at the top ranking with win against Li.
As far as Azarenka is concerned, she is certainly on a bit low after the dubious win over Stephens. Controversy emerged as she took a long break by taking advantage of the timeout, a decision the Belarusian beauty defends to the core.
"It was a necessary thing for me to do," Azarenka said of the timeout, which she took for rib and knee problems.
US teenager Sloane Stephens was very professional in reacting because of which she had to lose the game. After the match, there were several voices raising in defence of Stephens that it was misuse of the timeout by Azarenka that mattered Stephens the most making her to face defeat.
"I just regret that I didn't take it earlier, that it got to the point that it was pretty much impossible for me to breathe and to play" replied Azarenka after fingers were pointed at her.
Melbourne Park will be the stage for the final showdown between Li and Azarenka. The Chinese star has already mentioned that this is the first time ever that they are going to meet each other.
"This is a new start. Last year she was doing well all year. It is not easy. It is a tough match. I just have to enjoy the moment", Li reacted.
