We could talk for days about Nadal and his obsession with Court Philippe Chatrier. However, it should be left for a while as we devote long overdue praise to the efforts in Grand Slam tournaments of China's Na Li. Yes we know that she has made a number of quarter finals, but in the midst of a most inconsistent year, she has been the only female to successfully reach consecutive semi finals in 2011 majors.
Almost defeating Kim Clijsters in the Oz Open final, Na Li could not buy a win for some time - however today she would outclass Victoria Azarenka, and in doing so stamp her claims for the French title. Vika had been the clay court queen this season, and was powerless to stop the Chinese deft placement, uncanny retrieval ability and frustrating (for Azarenka) habit of clearing the net by mere millimeters.
When Vika could not find a way to push past Na Li's defences, the effect on her own game became apparent, with service consistency no longer a strength. At 5-6 in the first set the serve went to pieces and without having to do much at all, Na Li gracefully accepted the gifted game and set 7-5. Although Azarenka seemed to have rallied early in set 2, it was a mirage in the beaming sun. Down a break, the Chinese star lost no more games and faces off against Sharapova in the semis, the Russian having obliterated Germany's Andrea Petkovic who from latest reports may be able to be rebuilt.
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