By Erik Gudris / Friday, January 3, 2014
Li Na and Shuai Peng will give the local fans more to cheer about as they meet in an all-Chinese final at the Shenzhen Open.
Photo Credit: AP
Li Na and Shuai Peng set up only the second all-Chinese final in WTA history at the Shenzhen Open.
Top seed Li had little trouble in her semifinal against No. 8 seed Annika Beck of Germany. Li rolled to a 6-1, 5-0 lead and looked ready to close out the match early.
But Li wobbled down the stretch as she gave up three games in a row before securing the 6-1, 6-3 win.
For Peng, her path to the finals was made easier after her semifinal opponent, Vania King, withdrew due to injury. King, who upset No. 2 seed Sara Errani earlier in the week, suffered a right thigh injury during that match. After trying to test the leg, King unfortunately had to withdraw.
"It was a really difficult decision for me to pull out because I hate losing and not competing. I love being out on the court and I'm playing really well right now. But I just have to look out for my health," King said to WTA.com.
Li holds a 5-1 lifetime head-to-head against her countrywoman Peng.
"It'll be a tough match tomorrow. We're quite familiar with each other and have improved a lot over the last year. But no matter what, I'm quite looking forward to the final," Li said.