Kim Clijsters became the first woman into the semi-finals of the US Open with a straight-sets win over Li Na.
Belgian continues New York progress
Kim Clijsters became the first woman into the semi-finals of the US Open with a comfortable victory over Li Na on Tuesday.
The unseeded Belgian now awaits Serena Williams in the last four after cruising to a 6-2- 6-4 win against the 18th seed.
Li came entered the quarter-final bidding to become the first Chinese woman to make the last four at Flushing Meadows but it soon became apparent that the 27-year-old has her work cut out to achieve that ambition.
Clijsters, making her first appearance in New York since winning the title in 2005, had already taken down third seed Venus Williams in her last match and the Belgian wildcard hit the front early on Arthur Ashe, claiming two breaks en route to clinching a 25-minute opening set.
She broke immediately in the second set before suffering a brief dip in form which allowed Li to level proceedings.
But the Chinese number one soon relinquished another service game, giving Clijsters ample opportunity to close out a one-sided contest.
Incredible comeback
The 26-year-old is now within two victories of an incredible comeback triumph, having only returned to the WTA Tour in August after over two years in retirement, a period that included the birth of her first child.
"I never had that kind of mentality before the tournament knowing that I was going to get to a semi-final or final at the grand slams, obviously," she said.
"...Although I was hitting the balls really good in practice and I felt physically I was doing well, you still want to know what it's like to play against those girls and get a feel for how the level has changed, how girls are playing different tennis maybe these days.
"So I am surprised that I'm sitting here talking to you right now, but I'm very happy, and, you know, flattered that I get to do that."
