Teenager Bouchard sets up semis against Li Na
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E-mail Xinhua, January 21, 2014
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At just 19 years of age, Eugenie Bouchard is the first Canadian to reach the Australian Open semifinals. |
Canadian teenager Eugenie Bouchard beat No.14 seed and former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic of Serbia 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 to set up her career first Grand Slam semifinals against two-time runner-up Li Na.
Bouchard came from behind to beat 2008 French Open champion Ivanoic in just under two and a half hours and became the first Canadian to reach Australian Open semifinals.
"We had a tough match, she was playing well at times," said Bouchard. "When she did there was not much I could do. I kept fighting, played aggressive and stepped it up in the second and third sets."
"The most important thing is to enjoy it out there and that's what I've been doing. I tried to stay calm and go for my short, that's when I play my best," added the 19-year-old.
Bouchard, the No.30 seed, is just the second Canadian ever to compete in a Grand Slam singles semifinals. The last Canadian to go to the semis at a major was Carling Bassett at the 1984 US Open.
Bouchard will next play against No.4 seed and 2011 French Open champion Li Na, who's almost 12 years elder than the Canadian.
"I play Li Na in Montreal in 2012, we had a tough battle but I was not so experienced back then," said Bouchard. "This time I'll be ready. She won't give me many chances so I'll have to take any that I get."
Bouchard's WTA ranking is expected to rise into the top 20 after the Australian Open.
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