Belgium’s Kim Clijsters solidified her bid to return at the top of women’s rankings after winning the Australian Open 2011 Women’s Singles title by beating China’s Li Na in an epic three set match: 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Li was aiming to become the first Chinese player (male or female) to win the first Grand Slam singles title but fell short after losing several opportunities in the third set, which saw a momentum shift with Clijsters winning six games in a row from the second half of the second set.
The Chinese ninth seed came saved a match point against world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals to gain her entry in the final. She was a semifinalist last year, losing to eventual champion Serena Williams.
Clijsters hinted that this may be her last full year on the WTA Tour after compatriot Justine Henin announced her retirement earlier this week. Clijsters had the more successful comeback than Henin after winning two more US Open titles (2009 and 2010). Henin was a finalist in last year’s Australian Open.
