Li Na battles past Safarova, plays Kvitova in Montreal final

After the weather related delays during the week, which caused postponements, suspensions and frustration for players and officials alike, both women’s singles semis in the 2012 Rogers Cup were played and completed on Sunday, with the final being postponed to Monday night at the Uniprix Stadium in Montreal.

In a match of great opportunities and huge missed chances for both players, China’s Li Na eventually overcame Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 3-6 6-3 7-5, in close to two hours on court. Safarova actually held a 5-1 lead in the final set, but Li broke back with some sweeping groundies and fewer unforced errors to hold on all the way to the end, showing her greater experience and stronger mind set over the 23 year old Czech.

Li went into the match with a winning head to head stat of 5-1, but the young Czech will come away from this tournament with much to inspire her. Her principle achievement in this tournament, besides getting into the semis of a top notch draw, is that she will now be ranked within in the WTA’s top 20 when the rankings are updated after the completion of tonight’s final in Montreal – a standing this very talented and watchable player decidedly deserves.

Tags Li Na Lucie Safarova Petra Kvitova Rogers Cup final