This article first appeared in the Jul/Aug 2011 issue of World Gaming magazine.
China’s world class champion Li Na has become the first Chinese Grand Slam Champion, as predicted by World Gaming magazine.
Li Na’s victory over Francesca Schiavone is a great day for her country.
“Today is a dream come true,” Li said.
“China has never had a Grand Slam champion so that’s why in China so many players are working so hard. Because the dream is they can be the top player or win a Grand Slam.”
“I got a text message from my friend. They said people were crying in China because they saw the national flag going up”.
Schiavone admitted the style of Li’s play caused her problems and paid credit to her opponent. The defending champion had no answer to Li Na’s game and Li came away with an easy two set win.
“I think the style that she played, hitting it really deep, meant I couldn’t play my spin really high. She played at a really high level through the first set and until 2-1 or 3-1,” Schiavone said.
“Then I tried to push more, to risk more, and her level dropped. But it’s normal. Tennis is always like this. I think she deserved to win this final. She fought a lot and she played well on the clay”.
Well done to Li Na and congratulations to World Gaming readers who took our advice and backed Li Na to win the French Open. Enjoy your winnings courtesy of this great Chinese champ!
