Tennis: Modest Li makes her mark in Melbourne as China tunes in for tennis

Li became the first Chinese woman to reach a grand slam singles final in which she fought hard before going down 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 as Clijsters notched up her fourth major title and first outside New York.

But the 28-year-old from Wuhan achieved far more than simply winning six matches at Melbourne Park - she brought tennis into millions of homes in China, potentially paving the way for a new generation of players from a country yet to really make its mark on the sport. Li was quick to play down the magnitude of her achievement and looked uneasy when she was asked if she thought she was a national heroine.

"I guess. . . maybe," she said. "But I haven't seen the news. I am not sure how big this news is in China right now."

Li is intending to return to her homeland to spend some time with her family over Chinese New Year but is not expecting a welcome party at the airport.

"I don't want lots of fans or the media to come. I just want to be with my family because travelling the world you don't really spend much time with your family or friends."

Li's reticence to talk herself up ended when the subject returned to tennis. And having reached the last four here last year and the title match in 2011, she feels she is closing in on grand slam glory.

"Yeah, I think I have picked up some good experience. I am feeling more confident and yes, I am feeling closer to winning a grand slam."