Chinese tennis star makes history at Australian Open

Beijing (CNN) — Chinese tennis player Li Na didn’t win the Australian Open on Saturday, but she still entered the history books.

Li, who lost to Belgian Kim Clijsters in three sets (3-6, 6-3, 6-3), is the first Chinese player to qualify for a Grand Slam final.

The defeat somewhat dampened the sense of well-being for China and for Li, who beat number one player Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals in Melbourne on Thursday. Li is ranked fifth.

In an interview transcribed on the official Australian Open website, Li said she was proud of her efforts.

“I think I play good tennis,” she said. “I mean, she plays better than me. After the match, back in the locker room, I joke, tennis should only play one set.”

Bai Yan, a member of the Chinese men’s national team and friend of Li Na, said the defeat was disappointing, but still a good starting point.

History made at the Australian Open

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“To tell you the truth, we all feel a little down. But you know she’s still the best, she’s still our hero in everyone’s eyes,” Bai said. “This is just the beginning.”

Win or lose, Li’s appearance in the Australian Open final was seen as a major victory for tennis in China, where badminton and table tennis dominate.

Fans from across China gathered to watch the match. Li’s mother joined fans at a restaurant in her hometown of Wuhan. In Beijing, fans gathered to watch alongside members of the Chinese national tennis team.

“Tennis is still a relatively new sport in China,” Michael Chang, the Chinese American who was Asia’s first Grand Slam champion, said in an interview with CNN. “Being able to see Li Na have as much success as her…this could be the start of something very special for tennis in China.”

“Li will definitely change the sport of tennis in China and that’s a good thing,” Chang said.