Williams digs deep in Istanbul

Associated Press

American Serena Williams returns a shot to Na Li of China during their tennis match on the second day of the WTA Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday.

Istanbul - American Serena Williams discovered something about herself on Wednesday at the WTA Championships... Even when her serve is malfunctioning, she can still beat a top player.

Williams beat 2011 French Open champion Li Na of China 7-6 (1), 6-3 for her second win in round-robin matches to close in on the semifinals at the tournament for the top eight players in the world.

The players are split into two groups, with the top two in each advancing.

Williams had six double-faults and won only 51 percent of points on her first serve. But Li also struggled on serve - there were eight breaks in the first set and three more in the second.

“My serve just didn't go in. Every time I got my first serve in, I was surprised,” Williams said. “But knowing I was able to still, for me, zero serve compared to how I normally serve - I think it's something good I can take out of the match.”

She has won 28 of her past 29 matches and captured Wimbledon, US Open and Olympic titles this year. The highest ranking she can finish at the end of the year is up one spot to No. 2 because of injuries and missed tournaments.

Williams was so frustrated at dropping serve at one stage that she uncharacteristically smashed her racket.

“No, I don't break rackets in matches. Although I didn't hit it hard,” she said. “Maybe I don't know my own strength.”

The first set was full of missed opportunities. The eighth-ranked Li jumped out to a 4-1 lead before Williams won the next four games. Serving for the set, the American again dropped serve. Li was unable to hold, though, and Williams had another chance to serve out the set - only to lose it at love.

Williams took control of the match in the second set by saving a breakpoint in a game that lasted nine minutes to eventually hold and lead 4-1.

The American wasted two match points to break Li but closed it out on her own serve when the Chinese sent a forehand long. - Sapa-AP