Blog: Will Bouchard's killer instinct see her defeat Li Na?

Canadian Eugenie Bouchard reminds me a little of former World No. 1 German tennis player, Steffi Graf. Not sure exactly why, maybe it's the pins, but there's no doubt Bouchard has the precocious talent of a young Steffi.

Li_Na_140122_AFP.jpg

China's Li Na plays a shot during her women's singles match against Italy's Flavia Pennetta.

That is high praise indeed, but Bouchard has a business-like manner, a killer efficiency and unflappable character that reminds me of Graf.

Bouchard was last year's WTA newcomer of the year. She didn't get through last year's qualifiers for the Aus Open. So now, 12 months later she is lining up a semi-final date with Li Na.

After dropping the first set, she raced past Australia's Casey Dellaqua and once again, this time against Ivanovic, she hit back after dropping the opener.

The pair put on a brilliant display in the opening set, but the Serbian, after two injury time-outs, ran out of steam.

The teenager has a composure that belies her years. Bouchard won in three sets, powering through the last 6-2.

After the game, she spoke about stepping it up against Ivanovic, playing aggressive tennis.

The 30th seed executed exactly what she planned in devastating fashion against a brave, but out-gunned Ivanovic.

The 26-year-old played great tennis, but she was pummelled by a young gun with the maturity of a seasoned pro.

Just to illustrate how young, Bouchard said she'd like to date Justin Bieber.

Of course, she was responding a question after the match during an on-court interview. She is only four days older than the 'Bieb', and obviously compatriots, but it brought home just how young is Bouchard.

Earlier, the player she will face in the semi, Li Na,crushed Flavia Pennetta.

Li is a twice runner-up at Melbourne Park and looks to be in perfect nick to break through in 2014. But stopping a rampant Bouchard,  who seems immune to pressure, will not be easy, particularly with the 'Genie Army' in her corner.


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