Li powers to Australian Open glory

By Piers Newbery BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

China's Li Na won her second Grand Slam title with victory over Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova at the Australian Open.

Li, seeded fourth, came through an edgy first set from both women to dominate the second and win 7-6 (7-3) 6-0.

It was the 31-year-old's third Australian Open final and brings her a second major title after the 2011 French Open.

Match analysis

"Cibulkova handled the experience very well in the opening set, but she was blown away by the power of Li after that: the player who went for her shots deservedly won the title.

"It's great news for those who run the women's tour as they have invested heavily in a Chinese future, and even at nearly 32, Li has the power to add to her two Grand Slam tally.

"Eugenie Bouchard's fabulous run to the semi-finals sparked much excitement, but with Li and Serena Williams still playing so well, the next generation may have to wait their turn."

Already a popular figure at Melbourne Park thanks to her previous success - and entertaining on-court interviews - Li was urged on by a large contingent of Chinese supporters on Rod Laver Arena.

"Finally I got her [the Australian Open trophy]," said Li. "The last two finals were very close.

"Now I have to thank my team. Thanks to my agent for making me rich, thanks a lot."

And speaking to her husband, who was courtside: "Thanks a lot, you are a nice guy. Also you are so lucky."

Cibulkova said: "It was my first Grand Slam final and I'm just proud with the way I handled it.

"I wanted to play my best tennis but it wasn't easy against her because she was playing extremely well, so I'm quite happy."

Seven years older, with a 4-0 head-to-head record and facing a player making her Grand Slam final debut, Li had been a strong favourite against 20th seed Cibulkova.

In the event, it was a difficult call as to who was the more nervous in the early stages of the match.

Li could challenge Williams

"This time Li Na will handle winning a Grand Slam a lot better. She said after winning the French Open she was so inundated with requests she didn't know how to handle it and her tennis suffered.

"The French Open is next, her favourite tournament, and she could win the first two Grand Slams of the year. Li may even be able to knock Serena Williams off the top spot. She has the game to do so. I think she could win another Grand Slam or two before the end of the year."

Cibulkova double-faulted twice to give up her serve in the opening game, but Li handed it back in similar fashion at 3-2 after a dreadful start that saw her make just two first serves in the first six games.

The pair had shared 30 unforced errors in that time, and it was a question of who could string together something approaching their normal game to take charge.

Cibulkova opened the door once again at 5-5 with a double fault but Li could not serve it out, struggling with her ball toss as a set point slipped by.

It was the Chinese player's aggressive start to the tie-break that eventually got her over the line, her backhand doing much of the damage as she moved into a 5-1 lead and sealed the set after a largely unconvincing 70 minutes.

With the tension lifted and now swinging more freely, Li found her range at the start of the second and swept a winner into the corner on her way to an immediate break.

The forehand that had offered up 16 unforced errors in the first set produced just three in the second, and a barrage from that side took her to 5-0 within 20 minutes.

"Come on, Li, bagel her!" cried one voice from the crowd, keen for a love set, and she delivered.

A rasping backhand winner helped her to two match points and, when Cibulkova fired over the baseline on the second, Li raised her arms in delight at finally prevailing in a Melbourne final at the third attempt.

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