Cibulkova sets up Aus Open final against Li
Diminutive Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova will play Li Na in the Australian Open final on Saturday after destroying fifth seed Agnieska Radwanska today.
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The 159cm Cibulkova has enjoyed a strong tournament, having beaten Maria Sharapova, and lost just one set. She displayed all of that form against Radwanska and won 6-1 6-2.
It was the 24-year-old's second grand slam semi-final but she looked comfortable from the start and the match was over in just one hour and 10 minutes.
It will be Cibulkova's first grand slam final having lost in the French Open semi-final in 2009.
Earlier, Chinese star Li Na has advanced to her third Aus Open final after ending Canadian glamour girl Eugenie Bouchard's dream in straight sets at Melbourne Park.
A dual Australian Open finalist and 2011 French Open champion, Li was a woman on a mission and won 6-2 6-4. The match was being played between a seasoned professional and a youngster on the rise and the difference in experience was clear early in the contest.
Li Na celebrates making her third Australian open final. Picture: AP Photo.
Bouchard came into the match amid enormous publicity but got blown off the court by Li in the first set, losing 6-2 in 28 minutes.
Tweeted by pop star Justin Bieber after declaring she'd like to date him, Bouchard started terribly.
Struggling with the sun, she withdrew from the first serve of the match and then struck it to the centre of the wrong side of the court with her next attempt.
Li dominated and broke her to love twice in a row to take a commanding 3-0 lead in just nine minutes.
She again broke Bouchard to love, before the Canadian finally won a game by breaking back.Bouchard then ended the 12 point losing streak on serve and won another game to give the scoreboard some respectability before Li closed out the set.The match changed in the second set as Bouchard found her rhythm and confidence. The first two games took 30 points whereas the first set was over in just 41.Bouchard broke Li to lead 2-0 and drag herself back into the match. But Li broke back straight away and then they engaged in a series of games where neither player could hold.Li finally took back the advantage by holding serve to take a 5-3 advantage and then closed out the match shortly after.
Eugenie Bouchard reacts during her semi-final match against Li Na. Picture: REUTERS.
