BEIJING, Feb. 5 --Li Na was more than a little surprised to be greeted by throngs of media, flowers and banners when she arrived back in Beijing from the Australian Open, where she and Zheng Jie made history by becoming the first Chinese women tennis players to reach the singles semifinals of a Grand Slam event together.

After playing the game for almost 20 years, 27-year-old Li said she felt like a star for the first time and she wants that feeling to continue.

Having reached a career-high ranking of 10 in the world, she is eyeing even greater progress this year and wants to compete in the WTA tour finals at the end of the season, an event which features the world's top eight players.

"I planned to return to Beijing quietly and I booked a very early flight. So I was a surprised when I saw the cameras at the airport and doubted they had come to see me at the beginning. It felt different but I won't change. I'm still myself," Li said.

Li Na of China celebrates scoring during the women's singles fourth round match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark at the 2010 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 25, 2010.

"I hope I can remain in the world's top 10 and qualify for the WTA finals. If possible, I hope I can reach a ranking as high as possible this season."

Although she lost to world No 1 Serena Williams 7-6 (4), 7-6 (1) in a two-hour semifinal thriller, Li confirmed her new status in the sport when she upset seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams 2-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5 in the quarterfinals in Melbourne.

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