N. LI/K. Clijsters
4 6, 6 4, 6 2

An interview with:


Q. Congratulations on beating former No. 1, top player in the world, who we're all going to miss when she leaves. But you've just sort of introduced yourself to people today, and you said, Look, I'm here. In case you haven't noticed, Clijsters even said she thinks that you could be or should be a Top 10 player. Where have you been hiding? And I understand you're also ranked you're the top ranked Chinese player, as well, not just in the tournament but also in China. I'm getting to my question. How do you feel beating Kim Clijsters, how emotional of a moment is this for you? It is Kim Clijsters and I know there's a whole lot that goes along with that and she's earned it. But how does it feel for you on your way up, making your way through it all, especially as we approach the Olympics next year? My question is: How emotional of a moment is this for you, and what was going through your mind out there? Because at some point watching you it looked like you had it and you knew you had it, or you had her.
NA LI: I was pretty pressured last time in Sydney. I was losing 7 5 in the third, so I knew I still had a chance to win the match. But, I mean, today before the match, my coach just told me, Okay, you just play yourself. Don't think who's she. You can try the best.
I mean, after the second set, at the start of the third set, I knew she had some problems in the back because she can't run like fast in the first set.

Q. Is it a very emotional moment for you? Like what are you feeling? How do you feel at this moment, or even when you won? You kind of had to know at some point you were going to win.
NA LI: Yeah, I mean, after I was aware the second set, and I go to the locker room to change. So after I think, Okay, you can beat her this time. I mean, after I win one set I have a lot of confidence for myself, yeah.

Q. Beyond the Sony Ericsson, what's next for you? Kind of remind me. I'm dumbfounded at the moment. I don't know.
NA LI: Next tournament?

Q. What tournaments are you going to be playing? How does this affect that lineup now that people saw you beat Kim Clijsters and you did a great job at beating Kim Clijsters? It wasn't luck; you beat her.
NA LI: Next is Amelia Island and Charleston, Bausch & Lomb Championships in Amelia Island and the Family Circle Cup in Charleston.

Q. Is there any tournament out there that you could possibly get invited to now that you've beat Kim Clijsters that you weren't invited to or that you would like to play since winning this match, or even once this is over?
NA LI: No.

Q. You already set your schedule for the rest of the year?
NA LI: Yes.

Q. What if you get invited to play somewhere first and foremost, you'll be at the US Open, I hope?
NA LI: Yes.

Q. You'll be at Wimbledon, right?
NA LI: Yes.

Q. You'll be at French Open?
NA LI: French Open.

Q. And between those Grand Slams, you'll play, I guess, the other matches that you just mentioned: Family Circle and Bausch & Lomb. Is it a big moment for you? You're very calm and very humble, and maybe that's indicative of your culture. But is this a big moment for you?
NA LI: Yeah, for sure, because I played her three times already and always lose, and also I lose to her last year in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. This morning I talked to my husband, and I said, I want to win one time. I'm not sure when I can beat her.

Q. Since turning pro in 1999, how many other exciting moments like this have you had, or very important moments like these that helped to define your career?
NA LI: Maybe in Wimbledon last year because that was the first time to play Wimbledon.

Q. Well, congratulations once again. Who are you playing next now that you've beat Clijsters, or who has to play you next? Now you've got the upper hand.
NA LI: Anna Chakvetadze.

Q. Have you even thought about that?
NA LI: I've played her twice. I won one time and lost one time, so yeah. But I played her last year.

Q. I think she should beware of that two handed forehand that you have (laughing).
NA LI: I play one handed.

Q. I thought it was impressive that you were using two hands to hit the ball forward. Maybe it was the two handed backhand.
NA LI: Backhand.

Q. Well, she should be aware of that because your game was a low ball game. It was like on the ground. It seemed and very close to the line, and Kim Clijsters didn't do a good job responding to your two handed backhand. So good luck, and we'll look to see how far you go and hope you go very far. You're a great player, and I think people should see more of you and should possibly start to fear you a little bit.
NA LI: Thank you. Thank you so much.

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