Li becomes China’s first US Open semi-finalist

Thursday, 5 September 2013 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Li Na broke another barrier for Chinese tennis, becoming China’s first semi-finalist at the US Open by beating Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-4 6-7(5) 6-2 on Tuesday at windy Flushing Meadows.

The 31-year-old, fifth-seeded Li pumped both fists in joy after 24th seed Makarova sailed a backhand long to end the two-hour, 20-minute match at Arthur Ashe Stadium as the crowd showered her with cheers. “For me, this is the first time to come to the semi-finals, so I’m very proud of myself,” said Li, who looked about to claim victory in two sets after winning the first three points of the tiebreaker and holding a 4-2 lead. Men’s top seed Novak Djokovic was dazzling in a 6-3 6-0 6-0 demolition of unseeded Marcel Granollers of Spain to reach the quarters against 21st-seeded Russian Mikhail Youzhny, who ended the run of 2001 winner Lleyton Hewitt 6-3 3-6 6-7 (3) 6-4 7-5. Earlier, women’s second seed Victoria Azarenka overcame Ana Ivanovic, the 13th seed, 4-6 6-3 6-4 to complete the women’s quarter-finals field after their contest was postponed from Monday due to nearly five hours of rain delays.