NEW YORK, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- No. 5 seed Li Na of China overcame the second set lose to beat Ekaterina Makarova from Russia 6-4, 6-7 (7-5), 6-2 on Tuesday en route to women's singles final four, becoming the first Chinese player to reach U.S. Open semi-final.
"You know, I always try to be the first one," said Li Na after the match. "Of course it was exciting, because first time in semi in U.S. Open, so I was really proud for myself, because it's the last Grand Slam for end of the year, but I still fighting on the court to try the best."
Li also refreshed her personal U.S. Open record by advancing into semi-final, and she reached at least semi-final for three straight WTA tournaments including in Toronto and Cincinnati.
The world number six player was enjoying one of the best seasons in her career, reaching quarter-finals at three of the four Grand Slams, which was the first time for the 31-year-old player.
"There were some ups and downs in my previous seasons, and this year there was a lot more consistency," said Li.
The Chinese talent moved in the Tuesday's match without losing a single set. She had previously played Makarova for three times, winning all of them.
And Tuesday's meeting was no difference from the last three.
Li held her service games to level the first set until 3-3, and managed to break in the seventh game thanks to a couple of unforced errors from Makarova. Neither player was able to break in the rest part of the set, which ended by 6-4 win for Li.
Both players suffered from ups and downs in the second set. They finished six breaks in the set (three for each) to enter the tiebreak. Li was leading 3-0 in the tiebreak, but the double fault disturbed her pace. Makarova took chance to take the tiebreak 7-5.
The final set stood in favor of Li again. The top Chinese single player won four straight games after 2-2 in the final set to end the match 6-2.
"I'm not so happy," said Li about her match, "today's first time I was feeling so nervous, start beginning of the match until end of he match."
"But I was happy because at least I was fighting a lot on the court, even I didn't play best of tennis, but I still fight and still in the tournament."
Li would probably face world number one Serena Williams in the semi-final, and she decided to hold her fate in her own hand.
"If you only think about what opponent doing, of course you already lose the match before you come to the court," said Li.