It was a case of third time lucky for Li, who had previously reached the Australian Open final in 2011 and 2013, losing both times. However, today was a different story as she raced to a 7-6(3) 6-0 victory in 97 minutes to add a second Grand Slam to her 2011 French Open title.
Her opponent struggled on the day, perhaps the pressure of her maiden Grand Slam final taking its toll. Regardless, it's been an excellent tournament for Cibulkova, claiming notable scalps over Maria Sharapova and Agnieszka Radwanska.
The victory moved Li into third in the WTA World Rankings, and the crowd-favourite was pleased to win her maiden title in Melbourne. In her post-match speech she said, "Finally I got her [the Australian Open trophy]. The last two times [in 2011 and 2013] was very close."
Li started well, breaking Cibulkova in the first game after a nervous start from both players. However, Li struggled to control the rhythm of her serve, making just two first serves in the first six games, and was broken back to make it 3-3.
Both players continued to test each other's serve, but it remained on course until Li broke at 5-5 to allow her to serve for the set. Yet her serving woes continued and a poor backhand into the net meant Cibulkova broke back to take the first set to a tie-break.
In the tie-break Li opened up a 5-1 lead before an incorrect challenge gave the Slovak a slight chance to come back into it. But experience told as Li served out the set 7-3.
The tie-break victory seemed to kick-start Li who capitalised on a couple of weak second serves from her opponent to break early in the set. A number of backhand winners enabled her to break again for a 4-0 lead.
Whilst receiving for the match Li opened up two Championship points. Cibulkova saved the first but in keeping with the general theme of the match, hit an unforced error to give Li the Melbourne crown.
Published on SEaT Capital.
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