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Li heads into Australian Open targeting 2nd slam

Shanghai Daily, January 13, 2014

• Li Na (L) of China attends a training session with her coach Carlos Rodriguez ahead of 2014 Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 8, 2014.

  China's Li Na set her sights on a second Grand Slam title yesterday as she voiced hope a new aggressive approach could help her end her Australian Open jinx.

  Li has twice been a losing finalist at the Australian Open — to Kim Clijsters in 2011 and to Victoria Azarenka last year. Three months after her loss to Clijsters, she won the French Open in the final over Francesca Schiavone playing primarily from the baseline.

  "I really wish I can win another Grand Slam. This is the goal for me," said Li, who was yesterday named China Central Television's female athlete of the year for 2013. "If I make it, for sure I'll be happy. If I don't, this still is my goal. I will keep going for that."

  As she approaches her 32nd birthday next month, coach Carlos Rodriguez has her straying away from the back of the court and becoming more aggressive.

  "You know, getting old, need less time on the court," she said yesterday in Melbourne, smiling.

  "Before I only try to stay on the baseline," she added. "You're on this tour so many years, everyone knows exactly how you play. Maybe (Rodriguez) just wants to change a little bit to see (me) more stronger on the court ... just continue what I'm doing last year, more come to the net and play even more aggressive."

  Her three weeks off late last year weren't totally away from the sport she's earned more than US$13.3 million from, most of it in the past five years while she's moved up in the rankings from 15th in 2009 to No. 4 this year.

  As of yesterday, she didn't know who her first-round opponent would be — she drew a qualifier.

  Regardless of who it is, Li goes into the match with plenty of confidence.

  "I always do well here," she said. "I'm healthy, and I can play good tennis. I really love the tennis life right now."

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