Wildcard Kim Clijsters of Belgium reached the US Open semi-finals yesterday by beating China's Li Na 6-2, 6-4 and stands two matches away from becoming just the third mother to win a Grand Slam title.

"Obviously I feel good about it. It's a nice feeling to have, knowing I was able to win it in two sets," Clijsters said.

Getting close
"Even in that second set I got a little bit closer, but I was just able to finish it off in straight sets."

Li was full of praise for Clijsters saying "she's much stronger than other girls."

Clijsters won her only Grand Slam title here in 2005 but injury ruled out her defence the following year and in May 2007 she surprisingly walked away from the sport, saying she was tired of the injuries and lifestyle.

During her time off, she married and had a baby daughter, but 18 months after giving birth, she came blistering back to action at the start of August with a view to making her mark again at the US Open.