Getting Acquainted With… Johanna Larsson

© Getty ImagesJohanna Larsson recorded the biggest win over her career over Li Na on Thursday.

Fans may not have known much about Johanna Larsson when they entered the grounds on Thursday, but that had all changed by the end of the evening as she gave the performance of the tournament so far in a 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-6(5) victory over No. 7 seed and Australian Open runner-up Li Na.

It was a dramatic tussle dominated by 15 breaks of serve between the two players, and a match in which Na paid the price for missed opportunities. The Chinese player served for the match at 5-4 in the third set and squandered three match points; she had a 40-15 lead and then a subsequent match point after the first deuce. With the chance to level, Larsson played tremendous defense and brought the crowd to their feet with a backhand lob winner, struck on the run.

After trading holds, the match was decided in a tie-break. Na raced to a 4-0 lead but Larsson stayed with her and closed the gap to 4-3. Na won the next point but it would be her last as her 20-year-old opponent won the final four points to earn the biggest win of her career. It was Na’s fourth successive opening-round defeat since reaching the final in Melbourne two months ago.

We caught up with Larsson immediately after the match during her warm-down exercises.

Congrats on your first win over a Top 10 player. How did it feel coming off the court after your performance against Li Na, saving three match points in the process?
It feels really amazing. You always have extra nerves when you’re playing someone like Li Na, who’s inside the Top 10 and has made a Grand Slam final. I was up a set and she started playing well. I just hung in there and tried to get as much back as I could, perhaps it frustrated her at times. I’m very happy and have to thank the crowd for their support.

You’ve been extremely successful on the ITF Circuit. 2011 is going to be your first full season at the tour level. What’s the hardest thing about transitioning from the ‘minor leagues’ of tennis to WTA events like Miami and what do you have to do to establish yourself as a threat?
The toughest thing is stepping up on a regular basis. There are no easy days. You need to come out strong the first point of the match. At the lower levels, you may be able to get away with starting slow and can still win matches. At the pro level, you can’t relax; players have to stay focused at all times.

I need to just keep working out and continue to play my best tennis. The girls at this level are all capable of winning and have so much power.

This is your first time playing here at the Sony Ericsson Open? How are you liking it so far?
I like it a lot. I love coming to the states. Indian Wells was great and Miami has been wonderful so far. Everything in the US is so big, it’s crazy!

I love how the crowds get involved here. I had so much support from the crowd today. They were really into the match and it was a great atmosphere. It makes it so fun, especially when you win.

Favorites?
Singer/Music Group: P!nk
Beverage: Hot Chocolate
Tennis Shot: Forehand
Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate of course!
Swedish Celebrity: Therese Alshammar (Three-time Olympic Medalist in swimming)