Clijsters received treatment after twisting her ankle midway through the first set against Li Na, who had lost to the Fleming in last year’s final. But she dug in, and her doggedness paid off: it was her Chinese opponent who made a tearful exit as Clijsters secured a 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 win. Clijsters arrived in Melbourne having played only two tournaments since last June, retiring from both mid-match after suffering injuries.