I am my own worst enemy, admits Li Na after semi-final loss to Serena Williams at US Open
A disappointed Li Na admitted to an attack of stage fright in her humbling US Open semi-final loss to Serena Williams and said she would have lost to any opponent she faced.
A disappointed Li Na admitted to an attack of stage fright in her humbling US Open semi-final loss to Serena Williams and said she would have lost to any opponent she faced.
The first Chinese to reach the last four at Flushing Meadows, a shell-shocked Li crumbled to a 6-0, 6-3 loss in 87 minutes.
The 31-year-old has long been accustomed to the glare of the grand slam spotlight, winning a French Open two years ago and reaching her second Australian Open final this year, but was already overwhelmed by the occasion before hitting a ball.
"It's not about the technique," Li said. "It's about the problem with myself.
"First time in the semis, I was thinking about the situation. Today, it doesn't matter who the opponent is. The problem is myself."
Asia's first grand slam singles winner, Li lost the first set in 29 minutes and despite taking an early break in the second set, slumped to 5-2 and the brink of defeat.
