Never before had two Chinese players been in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam, and while it ended up being something of a letdown, with both Zheng Jie and Li Na beaten in straight sets, they took plenty of positives from the experience.

Unseeded Zheng Jie’s second semi-final appearance – after Wimbledon in 2008 – turned into a nightmare when she managed to win just one game against a rampaging Justine Henin and was beaten 6-1, 6-0.

Li Na, the 16th seed here, was much more competitive, being edged out by defending champion and world number one Serena Williams in two tie-breakers, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-1).

Despite their semi-final losses, Li Na, who has set her sights on the top five after her efforts here, said it was a great day and their performances would boost Chinese tennis.

“It was the first time two Chi nese players at the same time played semi-finals in a Grand Slam,” the 27-year-old from Wu han said.

“It was good for both players and, of course, I think also good for China tennis.

“I think if the children, they saw this time, maybe they have more confidence. They will think that maybe someday they can do this also.

“It was an exciting day.”

Zheng Jie, from Chengdu, had a much tougher time against Henin, who continued her stunning come back after 18 months on the sidelines.

But she was happy with how far she progressed.

“It’s the first time in the semi-final of the Australian Open so for me it is very exciting,” she said.

“It also gave me a lot of belief, confidence that I can do better.

“And it’s good news that I am back in the top 20, so I have a big chance to play in more big tournaments.”

She echoed Li Na’s comments on the significance of their run here for Chinese tennis.

“I think it’s important because you have a lot of people watching the semi-finals on television,” she said.

“I think that will give the junior players belief that they also can do like this too.”

Li Na warned that wasn’t just the Chinese girls that needed to be watched, saying it was only a matter of time until the country’s men made an impression on the tour.

“There are many, many men players in China,” she said. “They’re still asleep, they haven’t woken up. Some day they will wake up.” — AFP