Li Na: First match is never easy

China's Li Na returns a shot to Sara Errani of Italy during the first round game at the 2013 WTA Championships in Istanbul, Turkey October 23, 2013. [Photo/CFP]

It is my third straight year in Istanbul to play in the Championships. The excitement kind of scales down a little bit because I have got used to everything. And WTA has done terrific preparation work for players. But I haven't explored the city too much as I was afraid of eating anything inappropriate and causing an upset stomach.

I have a lot of confidence playing Errani because I never lost a match to her. But the first match was always tough. I felt a little bit struggling at the beginning because I haven't played in any tournament for nearly a month since China Open.

Plus her performance tonight was somewhat surprising to me and the ball felt a little bit heavier. I guess that is because we haven't played each other for like a year.

But at least I get the win. So it is a good result.

In the second set I squandered a match point when I was up 5-3 and then got broken. But I was able to stay positive, which is a big improvement for me this year. And that is why I insist this is my best year. It is all about consistency.

Playing almost every day in Championships is a little difficult. Personally I prefer the Grand Slam schedule where players get a day off in between. But you have to follow the schedule here.

Another difficult thing about the Championships is that sometimes I get carried away. That thoughts of going vacations creep into my head - yes, Jiang Shan (Li's husband) has made a plan for a three-week vacation. I have to listen to him this time because I made the call last year. The destination is a secret.

But I'd like to share with you a piece of good news. The English edition of my autobiography will probably come out in January or February next year.

People keep asking me whether I will invite top players who are my friends to Wuhan (Li's hometown) for a new tournament next year. But to tell you the truth I haven't decided to play in it yet. Carlos and I will map out game plans for 2014 after my vacation.

I don't know why questions concerning my journalism study a few years ago popped up in today's post-game press conference. I have no intention of being a reporter after retirement. At the end of the day, I just want to be a housewife.