Playing Style
Li is regarded as an offensive baseliner whose game is primarily characterised by her groundstrokes, which are both deep and powerful off both wings. Her forehand, although at times erratic, is her main weapon, particularly her cross court forehand, which she hits with great accuracy and pace. Although not as powerful, her backhand is usually more consistent and reliable. Having played doubles for many years, she is comfortable when playing at the net and possesses a strong net game, occasionally coming up to the net to finish off points and long rallies. Known for her athleticism and speed around the court, she hits well on the run, and is capable of constructing winning plays from defensive positions, allowing her to turn defensive play into offensive play.
One of Li's biggest weaknesses is her inconsistency, as shown by her results. She has a tendency to lose concentration and hit a high number of unforced errors at any stage of a match, often on crucial points, preventing her from clinching victory in many close matches. She also lacks variety in her game, as her shots are usually hit hard and very flat and rarely with topspin or slice.
Read more about this topic: Li Na (tennis)
Famous quotes containing the words playing and/or style:
“I am now quite lame, from scuffling, all my fingers stiffened by playing ball. Pretty business for a law student. Yes, pretty enough; why not? Good exercise and great sport.”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)
“Where there is no style, there is in effect no point of view. There is, essentially, no anger, no conviction, no self. Style is opinion, hung washing, the calibre of a bullet, teething beads.... One’s style holds one, thankfully, at bay from the enemies of it but not from the stupid crucifixions by those who must willfully misunderstand it.”
—Alexander Theroux (b. 1940)