Asia's number one Li Na held on for a nail-biting victory at the Pan Pacific Open on Thursday to celebrate China's National Day. Li, the world's number 16, edged passed ninth-ranked Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 7-6 (9/7), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) in two hours and 59 minutes. "It was a tough match. The match was up-down, up-down," she said. "It was a big win for me. Also today was China's National Day. So I think it was good for China," said Li.
In the semi-final on Friday, Li will face Jelena Jankovic of Serbia, former world number one and the winner of the China Open last year. The 27-year-old Chinese said her focus remained in this two-million-dollar Tokyo tournament. But she repeatedly remarked on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic and her hopes to do well in the China Open, where main-draw matches start this weekend.
"I am feeling more comfortable and more concentration" going into the China Open, Li said. "I know a lot of friends are coming to watch. A little bit of pressure, but it's OK," she said. After a break in the off-season, Li said she aims to join the top dozen in the world rankings at the start of the next season.