Australian Open finalist Li Na has said that she feels better prepared to cope with the pressure now than when she last reached the final in 2011.
The Chinese sixth seed lost 3–6 6–3 6–3 to Kim Clijsters two years ago, but went on to capture the French Open later that year.
A dominant 6-2 6-2 victory over Maria Sharapova helped seal a return to the final in Melbourne, where she will play world number one Victoria Azarenka.
Li admits that she felt nervous ahead of today's semi-final, but says that she soon felt at ease on the court.
"[At the] beginning of the match I was nervous," said Li. "I was happy I come back to semis again, but for some reason I really want to win the match.
"I don't know what happened today. Just come to the court, feeling like, Okay, just do it."
When asked whether being in the final felt different this time around, the 30-year-old replied: "I mean, 2011, first time to the Grand Slam final, I was a little bit shocked because I didn't know what I should do.
"Also, no-one told me what I should do on the court. But this time I got more experience, so I think should be better."
Li already has already won one title this year at the Shenzhen Open.
Michael Penkman
