Li Na approaches her third Australian Open final as a strong favourite but her opponent Dominika Cibulkova is certainly a chance of causing the upset if she continues her present form. Join us for live scores and commentary of the Australian Open women’s final from 7.30pm AEDT.
Cibulkova will have to defy history if she is to defeat Na and claim her first ever grand slam title.
The Slovakian player is yet to defeat Na in the four matches they have played against each other. Moreover, she has only been able to win just one of nine sets played against the former French Open champion.
Despite her poor record against Na, Cibulkova has certainly made a habit of putting past performances behind here as evidenced by her stunning upset victory over Radwanska in the Australian Open semi-finals.
Having lost four of her past five matches against Radwanska, Cibulkova still managed to blow the former Wimbledon finalist off the park en route to a resounding 6-1, 6-2 victory.
Cibulkova’s performance against Radwanska says a lot about the way she has played thus far at the Australian Open.
The 24 year old has literally steamrolled her way through the women’s draw, completely outplaying former grand slam champions and finalists such as Maria Sharapova and Radwanska in the process.
Cibulkova has also only dropped three games per match in her recent victories over Radwanska and Simona Halep respectively.
One of the key reasons behind her dominant performances revolves around Cibulkova’s highly aggressive style off the forehand and backhand side.
The Slovakian has made a habit of punishing second serves and any short balls that are presented to her.
Cibulkova’s crosscourt backhand in particular is a major weapon and the key to beating Na in the final.
Na herself can produce great pace and depth of her backhand and forehand side, so expect both players to try and literally blow each other off the court with their aggressive groundstrokes.
Given that both players are blessed with powerful groundstrokes, the player that manages to find their range the quickest tonight will go a long way to winning the final.
It will be interesting to see how Na in particular copes with being the favourite in her third Australian Open final.
Given that she has lost her previous two deciders to Kim Clijsters and Victoria Azarenka respectively, Na may be burdened by expectation here against a player that many will be tipping her to defeat.
Cibulkova on the other hand really has nothing to lose and if she comes out firing the way she did against Radwanska, the Slovakian has the potential to really put Na off her game early on.
Thankfully for Na, Cibulkova possesses one of the weakest serves on the WTA tour, so the Chinese player will certainly get plenty of chances to put Cibulkova under pressure when facing the serve.
If Na is able to return well tonight, her confidence will build and a fit and confident Na should possess enough firepower and experience to win her first Australian Open crown.
Li Na in straight sets.
Alan
Roar Guru
After winning a very tight first set that could have gone either way, Li Na stormed to victory, winning the second set 6-0 against a very determined but outclassed Cibulkova. Cibulkova gave it her all in the match and she has certainly won me over as a fan given her showing tonight, particularly in that first set. Had she won the first set, the result could have been very different tonight. Li Na's experience though eventually won through in the end and as soon as she found her range with the backhand and forehand, Li was unstoppable. Li Na the champion of the Australian Open for 2014! Join us tomorrow for the men's final between Nadal and Wawrinka. Li Na 7 6 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND CHAMPIONSHIP LI NA - What great character from Cibulkova as she saves one championship point. She remains pumped despite being 5 nil down. Unforced error though hands the championship to Li Na! Li Na 7 6 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Two championship points for Li as Cibulkova sends her backhand long! Li Na 7 5 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Cibulkova's forehand hits the net and falls over for 15-30. Denying the inevitable though. Li Na 7 5 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Li rips another backhand winner for 0-30. Li getting to the finish line now! Li Na 7 5 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Li catches the line with the backhand there and its 0-15. Li in superb touch now. Li Na 7 5 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Feel sorry for Cibulkova. She was superb in that first set but her serve as predicted has caused her the biggest problem on the biggest points. 7 double faults tonight hurts. Li Na 7 5 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Li timing the ball sweetly now as she produces another forehand winner at the net and she holds! Li Na 7 5 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Game point now as Cibulkova sends her forehand return wide. Li Na 7 4 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Li with another forehand that draws the error for 30 all. Li Na 7 4 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Cibulkova nets the forehand for 15-30 Li Na 7 4 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
0-30 as Li nets the forehand. Cibulkova won't fall away here... Li Na 7 4 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Cibulkova getting overpowered now as Li begins to find her range from the backhand and forehand side. Double fault though and its 0-15 Li Na 7 4 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK LI - Another strong backhand return draws the error and Li edges ever closer! Li Na 7 4 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Great depth from Li before unleashing a backhand crosscourt winner for break point. Cibulkova in danger now. Break point Li Na 7 3 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Li too strong from the backhand side yet again there and its 30 all. Li Na 7 3 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Cibulkova nets the backhand here and its 15 all Li Na 7 3 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Li holds with another winner there and she is now well on course for the Aus Open title Li Na 7 3 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Cibulkova with the forehand down the line for the winner and its 40-30. Li with a little pressure to deal with here Li Na 7 2 Cibulkova 6 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Great serve down the tee for 40-0. She tries to serve and volley but Cibulkova too good with the forehand winner and its 40-15 Li Na 7 2 Cibulkova 6 0