Li Na Makes History With French Open Win

Li Na made history at the French Open this weekend as she became the first Chinese player to win a Grand Slam.

Li was the underdog going into the final as she defending champion Francesca Schiavone but the now world number four kept her emotions in check for a straight sets 6-4 7-6 (7-0) victory.

It was Li who settled the quickest as Schiavone didn't look all to comfortable with the 'favourite' tag - she was the underdog twelve months ago.

Li quickly settled into her rhythm and she produced some very powerful play right from the word go - leaving Schiavone struggling to make any sort of impact.

The sixth seed got her break in the fifth game of the opening set to edge ahead. And while Schiavone put in two impressive service came there after she was unable to get the set back on level terms.

Li's served confidently in that opening set and after just thirty nine minutes she had the set under her belt.

And it was all going the way of the Chinese woman at the beginning of the second set as she broke Schiavone in the opening game.

Schiavone was playing with more confidence in the second set and cutting out many of the errors that had cost her dear in the opener.

And the Italian managed to break back in the eight game to level the set at 4-4, much to the delight of the crowd.

And when a love service came followed for the Italian it looked like a three set match was on the cards.

Li has struggled to keep her emotions in check in the past but there was no sign of panic from the Chinese woman as she held on to her two remaining service game to force a tie break.

It was all about Li in the tie break as Schiavone failed to win a single point and Li picked up her first Grand Slam title.

But Schiavone looked like she was finally beginning to settle as she earnt her first break point of the match in the very next game - however Li was able to snuff out the danger.

Speaking to the BBC she said: "When I was a young player I wanted to be in a Grand Slam final.

"But today, some people say I'm getting old - so the old woman had the dream come true. Not easy."

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw