US Open 2013: Li Na advances to third round
New York, Aug 29 (IANS)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 28: (L-R) Na Li of China shakes hands with Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden after their second round women’s sinlges match on Day Three of the 2013 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2013 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
China’s fifteen seeded Li Na moved into the last 32 of the 2013 US Open after outscoring Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden 6-2, 6-2 at Flushing Meadows.
Li heated up fast from the first set, Wednesday, reports Xinhua. She held her first service game before breaking her opponent with her strong forehand strokes. Li had faced Arvidsson twice in previous WTA matches, winning both.
Arvidsson, the World No.100, got her first game when she was down by 0-3. Neither players were able to break until the eighth game, in which Arvidsson made two double faults to award Li a set point. Li seized the chance to take the first set 6-2.
The second set was much more difficult for Li. The former French Open champion made another break at the beginning of the second set and took a 2-0 lead, only to see Arvidsson break back to draw the score to 2-2. Li let go no chance in the following games, winning four straight to seal her victory 6-2.
“Last time I played her was like very tough set,” said Li after match, “so I mean after win looks like easy match, but is not really easy. Today I was improve a little bit serve and come to the net.”
Li scored 29 winners throughout the match, while her opponent only had four.
Li would possibly meet Laura Robson in the third round. The teenager from Britain eliminated Li in last year’s US Open in their first and only meeting, and also in the third round.
“After last year I think both player improve a lot. I really looking forward to playing against her,” said Li.
“For sure really challenging, lefty, aggressive player. Also, I can see prove myself like after one year whether I can do better than last year.”