China's Li Na on Thursday defeated Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia, and set up a meeting with Belgian Kim Clijsters in the final of the Sydney International.

In Thursday's semifinal, Li came from a break down in the first set to beat Jovanovski 7-6 (5), 6-3, while Belgian third seed Clijsters came through a tough test to overcome Russian Alisa Kleybanova 5-6, 6-3 and 7-6 (1).

Li, who reached the semifinal of the 2010 Australian Open, needed one hour and 40 minutes to wear down Serbian qualifier Jovanovski.

"It wasn't easy, she's young but she's playing well," Li, who last year became the first Chinese player to break into the world's top 10, told BBC Sports on Thursday.

The 28-year-old, now ranked 11, is relishing her showdown with Clijsters, who she has beaten once in five previous meetings.

"I have nothing to lose because I have played her also many times," Li said. "She's a great player, so I just have to show my best tennis on the court."

Clijsters, who won in Sydney International in 2003 and 2007, will be aiming for her 41st career singles title in Friday's final.