This will be Li Na's third Australian Open final in the last four years, and this is, by far, is the 2011 French Open champion's best chance to win her second major title.
But Cibulkova has been absolutely on fire during the tournament, and the 24-year-old from Slovakia is looking to score her fourth upset in a row to secure her first major.
At the pre-final news conference, fourth-seed Li says she is ready for Saturday night.
"I think I'm ready. Same like her. I think both of us should be ready. After six matches, everyone has more confidence preparing for the final."
It's safe to say that Li is the favorite headed into this final.
The two-time runner-up in Melbourne leads Cibulkova 4-0 in head-to-head matches.
The two first played each other way back in 2008 when Cibulkova was only 18 years old.
The last time they faced off was last year at the Rogers Cup quarterfinals in Toronto, which Li won 7-6(1), 6-2.
But 20th seed Cibulkova has absolutely steamrolled her way through this draw, taking out every seed in her path.
She says she will fight for every ball in the final.
"She 's been in the finals….."
Li has the edge when it comes to experience, too, appearing in her fourth major final, while Cibulkova will be in her first.
No matter which way you slice it, history gives Li the advantage.
But still, she says she will be fully prepared for her younger opponent.
"Of course. If you go…"
Since Carlos Rodriguez became her coach, Li Na has grown technically, and is mentally more mature.
She changed her grip, which ha helped her serve and backhand. Li says it's hard at first to change a habit, but it's the change that pushes her go further.
"You on the tour….."
Last year in the Australian Open final, luck was not with Li. She was seemingly in control of the match against Azarenka until stumbling twice, twisting her ankle and hitting her head hard on the court.
She had to have a concussion test before she was allowed to continue play. When journalists ask her if she believes the third time is a charm, she smiles and responds wittily.
"In China…."
Thanks to all these experiences, Li says she is now ready for any possible unforeseen circumstance.
For CRI, I'm Wang Xiao from Melbourne.
