MELBOURNE, Australia -- Kim Clijsters finally won her first Australian Open title and the fourth major of her career, wiping tears from her eyes after she beat Li Na 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 Saturday.

The loss ended an outstanding run through the tournament by Li, who became the first Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam singles final.

Li appeared to become upset with some of the Chinese spectators in the crowd in the third set and asked the chair umpire to intervene. She later complained about the flashes from photographers at center court.

However, Clijsters kept her composure all night.

The win for the reigning U.S. Open champion came in what could be her last appearance at Melbourne Park -- she had said 2011 might be her last full year on the tour.

Kim Clijsters finally won her first Australian Open title and the fourth major of her career, beating Li Na 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Greg Wood/AFP/Getty Images

After the match, though, she appeared to qualify that statement. She may go with a restricted schedule for 2012, when she wants to compete in the London Olympics.

"Yes, I hope so," she said when asked if she would be back to defend her title next year.

Clijsters, who has three U.S. Open titles, lost the 2004 Australian Open final to Justine Henin and has reached the semifinals here four other times.

"I finally feel like you guys can call me Aussie Kim because I won the title," said Clijsters during the trophy presentations, referring to her popularity after dating Australian star Lleyton Hewitt. "Even when things weren't going good, you guys were really supportive of me and I really appreciate it."

Looking at Li, Clijsters said: "I think we'll have a lot more tough battles to come. Hopefully, a few more Grand Slam finals would be nice."

Andy Murray will try to become the first British man in almost 75 years to win a Grand Slam singles title when he plays 2008 champion Novak Djokovic in the men's final on Sunday.

Li, with her courtside humor and bubbly personality, endeared herself to fans in Melbourne and around the world. Back home, she was a huge hit.

"The Chinese fans were prepared to express their feelings and shed their tears of excitement. We were just one step from victory," China Central Television announcer Tong Kexin said Saturday. CCTV predicted that about 15 million people would watch the match live on its sports channel.

Li maintained her sense of humor even after the loss, saying she joked in the locker room that tennis matches should only last one set.

"I think I played great tennis, but she played better than me," Li said.

Clijsters led 4-2 in head-to-head meetings before the match, but Li beat Clijsters in the Sydney International final two weeks ago after the Belgian player had led 5-0 in the opening set.

Li and Clijsters joked and smiled with each other outside the dressing room before the match. Li seemed uncharacteristically nervous in her pre-match TV interview, and it seemed to translate to the court.

Clijsters opened the match with an ace, winning the first game on four straight points, then breaking Li the same way for a 2-0 lead. But Li found her range and appeared to steady her nerves in the third game, breaking Clijsters and holding for 2-2.

The turnaround continued when Li saved two big break points, then broke Clijsters in the final game of the set. She set up two set points with a stinging forehand that Clijsters didn't bother to run for, then two points later stunned Clijsters with a crosscourt forehand to close out the first set in 38 minutes.