Li Upsets Sharapova to Enter Finals of Wimbledon Warmup
By wchung | 22 Mar, 2026

Na Li of China hits a return shot during her women's semi-final tennis match against Russia's Maria Sharapova at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham, England, Saturday June 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Simon Dawson)

Li Na of China entered the finals of the Aegon Classic, the women’s Wilmbledon warmup tournament, with a 6-4, 6-4 upset over Maria Sharapova Saturday.

The 20th-ranked Li took advantage of Sharapova’s erratic service games to take a 5-1 advantage in the opening set. The Russian former No. 1 is trying to come back from a 10 month layoff due to a shoulder injury that only ended late last month at the French Open.

“After such a long layover, every match and every situation is a different test to the body,” said Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion.

“I still felt like I had many chances in this match, but I have played five matches in the last six days and after that you just hope you wake up with that intensity you need. Against her you need that.”

Sharapova’s serve — revamped to prevent injury — lacked rhythm and conviction and she was broken six times.

She dropped serve to trail 4-2 in the first set after missing a forehand before recovering to trail 5-4. However, she was broken again to lose the set.

Sharapova broke to lead 2-0 in the second set, but then lost four straight games and never recovered.

In the finals Li will play Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia who defeated Sania Mirza of India.

Li will then spend next week practicing at Wimbledon where the tournament begins June 22.

6/13/2009 10:30 AM BIRMINGHAM, England (AP)