China’s number one player Li Na is through to the semi finals of the WTA Championships after beating Victoria Azarenka in straight sets. The Belarussian continuing to play-on despite an injury forcing her to take several time-outs during the match.
Both players walked out, onto the court in Istanbul knowing a place in the last four was at stake.
And it was the Chinese that started the better. Azarenka here trying to hold her first service game. She plays the drop shot but it's not good enough and Li Na has all the time in the world to get there and slice this one back across her.
But it was game 6 where the number 2 seeds’ troubles really started. Here serving at 40 love down. Li Na hitting it wide but Azarenka calls for the trainer. And one of several injury time-outs follows. The physio trying to ease the pain in her back.
And while she did continue the contest was pretty much over from then. The Belarussian hitting into the net to give Li the first set comfortably, 6 games to 2.
There was then another break for Azarenka to get treatment.
And unsurprisingly when the second set did take place it was pretty one-sided. Li Na taking it 6-1, winning it with this volley at the net. The Chinese going through to the semi finals.