Li Na defeats Cibulkova to claim her first Australian Open title.

Li Na claimed her first Australian Open title after a quick 7-6, 6-0 victory over Dominika Cibulkova in the final.

Li Na wins her first Australian Open title. (Source: AP)

This championship is a well-deserved reward for the tireless efforts of the Chinese player, who had previously suffered two heartbreaking defeats in the Australian Open finals against Kim Clijster and Victoria Azarenka.

This also marks the second time in Li Na's career that she has had the honor of standing on the highest podium at a prestigious Grand Slam tournament, after Roland Garros in 2011.

For Dominika Cibulkova, the defeat at the last minute was incredibly disappointing. However, finishing as runner-up at the Australian Open is not a bad achievement for the Slovakian player, especially after causing an upset by eliminating both Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka.

Even before the 2014 Australian Open, Cibulkova's best achievement was surprisingly reaching the semi-finals of Roland Garros in 2009.

Based on what has happened since the start of the season, experts believe that the chances between the two players are fairly equal. Li Na has a slight advantage in experience, having reached the finals of three Grand Slam tournaments.

Cibulkova was unable to spring any more surprises (Source: AFP).

In fact, the first set was evenly matched. Li Na secured two breaks, but Cibulkova didn't easily accept defeat and broke back twice, forcing the set into a tie-break.

According to VNA