(January 7, 2010) Though she made a good effort, Venus Williams remains without a victory at the Hong Kong Classic exhibition, losing today against China’s Li Na, 6-3, 7-6 (3).

The seven-time Grand Slam champion lost her serve in the eighth game while Li held on to take the first set. She continued to be pressured on her serve in the second set. She managed to save the first break point in the seventh game but still lost the second and went down 4-3. In the next game, Williams managed to save match point and break to 5-5. However, it was Li who brought her “A” game at the most crucial moment with a forehand shot down the line that won the match.

It’s been no secret to fans that Williams has viewed this tournament as a warm-up to the upcoming Australian Open, starting January 17.

When asked about the loss, Williams said,
"I just tried my best and just pushed myself to play my best tennis."

The Hong Kong tournament was Williams' first appearance since withdrawing from the 2010 Beijing Open and deciding to end her season early with the US Open because of an injury to her left knee.