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Hard-Li disappointed as Na better for experience

Kim Clijsters fought back to beat history making Li Na last night in the women’s final of the Australian Open, but the buoyant 28-year-old says she will use the experience to come back and win next year.

“I'm not sad, I am still happy with what I did on the court. I was excited to be in the final of a Grand Slam and of course after losing the match it was a little bit… not a sad feeling in that I [had] the chance [but] I didn't hold it.”

“Hopefully next time I can use the experience. You know, last year semi, this year final so maybe next year I can win the tournament,” she smiled.

The tournament runner-up said the playing her breakthrough final against Clijsters had given her a confidence boost heading into the 2011 season.

“I mean just beginning of the year, of course coming to the Australian Open and making the final I have more confidence now so next time I play a Grand Slam final I know how to play,” she laughed.

“Last night was the first time so yeah... looking forward to the next Grand Slam final.”

Li, who quickly recovered from her distress after losing the match, gave an entertaining and heartfelt speech thanking her husband with typical honesty and warmth.

"It doesn't matter if you are fat or skinny, handsome or ugly, I will always follow you, always love you,” she said last night.

When asked about his reaction to her speech she said that it was important to her to make up for the times she wasn’t as forthcoming with her praise.

“He didn’t say anything to me, but…a lot of friends from my box say that my husband was crying a little bit. It was good feeling, we have a long time together and sometimes I don't say it directly to him and sometimes I need to say something.”

The Melbourne crowd at the match last night vocally supported Li and she said enjoyed their support but was a bit concerned with her explosion in popularity after she played the history making final.

“I was a little worried about walking in Chinatown so I took [the evening] totally off and rested in my room.”

Li, who is expected to improve her ranking from 11th to 7th tomorrow when the new WTA rankings are announced, said she was planning to apply for an American visa shortly before returning to China to celebrate Chinese New Year.

“Tomorrow I have an appointment to get an American visa and then as soon as possible I will fly back to china because the 3rd of February is Chinese New Year so I have to be with my friends and family.”