Li Na has made a career - an increasingly lucrative one - out of breaking new ground in women's tennis.
She was the first Chinese player to win a WTA tournament - in Guangzhou in 2004.
The first to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam - at Wimbledon in 2006.
The first to be ranked in the top 30 in the world. Then the top 20. Once the rankings are updated on Monday, she'll be the first to reach the heady heights of the top 10.
And so nearly the first from her country to contest a Grand Slam final.
Because if not for Serena Williams' remarkable ability to save her very best for the very biggest moments, such as the two tiebreaks in her 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-1) triumph, the super-fit Li could well have triumphed in Thursday's Australian Open semifinal.
But that's a very big "if" because - heavy bandages on her left knee and right thigh notwithstanding - no one steps up more often when it really matters than the world No 1.
Having the ability to finish off both sets with aces - two of her 12 for the match - was also pretty handy.
"I have to practise much, much more on the serve," acknowledged the 27-year-old Li, who matched Williams in every other aspect of a match that lasted more than two hours.
"I have a break point, she just play ace.
"If she wants the point, just ace.
"So, after the match, I was talking to my team, talking to the coach, saying, 'You have to work a lot on the serve'."
Having already earned a spot in the world's top 10, Li will have to reset her goals much higher.
As will everyone associated with the sport of tennis in the world's most populous nation.
Even though unseeded countrywoman Zheng Jie was belted 6-1, 6-0 by Justine Henin in the second semifinal, it was still a historic day for China with multiple representation in the last four of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.
"It was good for both players and, of course, also good for Chinese tennis," said Li. "If the children saw this, maybe they become more confident.
"They think maybe someday they can do also this.
"I think it was an exciting day."
The unseeded Zheng had a much tougher time against Henin, who continued her stunning comeback after 18 months on the sidelines.
"She just played super," said Zheng.
"I hope she can win the Australian Grand Slam title.
"She's done a lot with the fitness, she looks stronger."
- AAP
Tennis: China's time at the top coming
Li Na has fought her way into the top 10. Photo / Getty Images
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