Li Na of China reacts after falling during her women's singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne Jan 26, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Li's falling over also shocked her opponent.

"You always feel really bad for a player when something like that happens," said Azarenka.

"I kind of felt for her that moment and completely forgot I had to play against her and make her run," said the 23-year-old who will retain her top spot with the winner's 2,000 ranking points.

Azarenka bagged the champion's $2.43 million while Li earned the runner-up's purse of $1.215 million.

The last time Li lost the Australian Open final, in 2011, she went on to claim the crown at Roland Garros.

She now hopes to follow that same path this year.

"I think last year Maria (Sharapova) did the same. She lost the final here and won the French Open. I hope I can do the same this year."

Li's Argentine coach, Carlos Rodriguez, echoed those sentiments.

"The most important thing is to keep going forward. She has made a good start to the season, but it is very long. I hope that in October or November, we can say that she's had a very good season, maybe claiming a Grand Slam or joining the top three, like we fixed (as a goal)."

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn