By Erik Gudris | Friday, March 28, 2014

 

The top two seeds and top two WTA players in Serena Williams and Li Na face off in a highly anticipated women's final in Miami.

Photo Credit: Christopher Levy

It will be No. 1 versus No. 2 in the Sony Open women's final in a match that could well set the tone for the rest of the season, including the upcoming clay court swing.

After all, Serena Williams is the reigning French Open champion while Li Na won Roland Garros a few years ago. But perhaps more important than just being a precursor for Paris, Saturday's final just might indicate who is ready to finish out the year on top of the WTA rankings.

Serena Williams vs. Li Na
Head to Head: Williams Leads 10-1

The massive advantage Williams maintains over Li in their career meetings is even more stark when you also add in that Williams has won their previous nine matches. Li did take a set from Williams in their encounter in the Istanbul final late last year, but taking the all important two is the goal this time.

"Good challenge, I think. Yeah, last time played her was in (WTA) Championships, so three, four month already. This time here really can see how was I improve for this three, four months, or very good challenge for me is I really happy I can play her or against her again," Li said when asked about taking on Williams.

While Li, this year's Australian Open champion, is off to her best season start at 21-2, Li's route to the Miami final featured quite a bit of "hot and cold" tennis. Several matches saw Li jump out to early leads only to fall behind or, in opposite fashion, get behind early only to roll off multiple games to finish her opponent off.

In Serena's case, the defending champion started almost frozen in her early rounds. It wasn't until Williams got out of a tough three set tussle with France's Caroline Garcia that her game finally clicked into a higher gear.

Straight set dismissals of Angelique Kerber and then Maria Sharapova had Williams displaying her expected championship form.

"I feel when I'm not playing well or feeling lower energy, I know I can do better. I think knowing that I can play better is always a plus, especially in a match, I feel sometimes, Okay, well, you can take it up a level. It's just about getting there," Williams said.

Working with her coach Carlos Rodriguez, Li continues to improve all aspects of her game, especially with her serve. While Li will aim to play even more aggressive against Williams, she will have to balance that with patience. Li is known for littering up the stats sheet with unforced errors in a match and still coming out ahead. She won't be able to get away with that for too long against Williams.

For the top seed, starting strong will be key. But Williams will have to ride out any hot streak Li gets on as she can start lighting up winners at any time.

Williams, seeking a record seventh Miami title, will remain No. 1 no matter the result. But Williams knows Li is making up ground in the rankings and won't rely on past results on Saturday.

"I always said, you know, that I feel like, again, anyone that I play, you have to be ready to play. You have to be ready to play no matter if you're playing the person that's ranked 200 or whether you're playing the person that's ranked No. 2. You have to show up, and if you don't show up, then your biggest threat will be yourself."

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

When asked if she and Serena ever talk about anything when off court, the always expressive Li revealed a common interest.

"Yeah, we talk a little bit about nails," Li said. "Yeah. I think all the girls like that. Maybe we have different style, you know. Yeah. Sometimes tough to say."

Li and Williams may have different styles both on and off the court, but these two veterans keep proving why they are the tour's best this season. It may take two to tango in Saturday's final, but only one will be able to raise a well-manicured fist in triumph.

Pick: Serena in three