Li Na of China celebrates her victory over Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the US to reach the semifinals of the Madrid Open tennis match in Madrid May 6, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Top players

"I want to be among the top players at the end of a tournament but I never put pressure on myself," said Li who was beaten by Belgian Kim Clijsters in the Australian Open final.

"Melbourne was good but it was just one tournament. Of course when you do well it's not easy because the fans expect you to reach the final every time.

"But I'm learning to concentrate and set my own goals."

After becoming China's first singles grand slam finalist, Li was expected to become an overnight celebrity at home but she said little had changed in her day-to-day life since her Melbourne exploits.

"There have been lots of new courts built in Beijing but ... tennis is not a big sport in China," she said. "I've hardly been home ... but I did notice I'm recognised a bit more now especially by younger people.

"I get asked to sign autographs but really not that much has changed. I like this life."

Husband Jiang may be thousands of miles away now but the Chinese couple who entertained crowds at the Australian Open will soon be reunited.

"What do I want to do after my tennis career is over?," she asked, breaking into a smile. "Be a housewife and look after my family."