By Erik Gudris | Thursday, March 27, 2014

 

Li Na fought off a third set challenge from Dominika Cibulkova to reach the Sony Open final for the first time ever.

Photo Credit: Corleve

No. 2 seed Li Na faced off against a familiar opponent in the Sony Open semifinals Thursday night. None other than Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova.

The pair contended for the Australian Open title back in January that Li won along with meeting a few weeks ago at Indian Wells.

With both women having to deal with cold and windy conditions, it was Li who managed to squeeze out the first set 7-5. At 2-all in the second set, Cibulkova fired up her favorite forehand to roll through the next six games as she leveled the match.

With Cibulkova up 3-1 in the final set, she looked poised to finally earn a victory over Li this season. But Li responded by taking the next six games herself to eventually close out the 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 win.

"I'm so happy I can be in the final here for the first time," Li said during an on-court interview. "Thanks to everyone who came to watch. I know it was cold tonight, but I hope you enjoyed the match."

Despite the loss, Cibulkova can take comfort in knowing she is projected to break into the top ten for the first time next week.

Li is now the first Chinese player ever to reach the Miami final. Waiting for her will be top seed and defending champion Serena Williams seeking a record seventh Miami title. Williams earlier beat Maria Sharapova in straight sets in their semifinal.

Though Williams leads their overall head to head 10-1 and has won their last night meetings, Li is looking forward to facing Williams.

"You know, everyone would be confident if they come to the final, because at least they win a couple of matches," Li said. "So, yeah, I think for sure it's tough match, so we have to see who is play better on the court."