Caroline Wozniacki has broken her grand slam jinx to become the first Danish player in history to win a major title after defeating Simona Halep 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, in a gut-busting thriller lasting almost three hours at the Australian Open.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher for both players in Melbourne. For the first time since 2015 the top two seeds in the women’s draw were contesting the final. On offer was the world No.1 ranking as well as a maiden grand slam title. The scene was set for a memorable clash and both players lived up to those expectations. During a meeting that had more twists and turns than the renowned Lombard Street in San Francisco, Wozniacki produced six aces, 40 winners and 47 unforced.
“I am taking a second to hug Daphne (the trophy). This is a dream come true. I am shaking it’s very emotional. This is such a special tournament.” Wozniacki said during her trophy presentation.
The 27-year-old Dane was the first to pounce by moving Halep around the court with a series of angle shots to break in the second game of the match. Hitting the ball deep towards the baseline to trigger an unforced error from the Romanian on break point. Eventually the top seed managed to get herself onto the scoreboard as she intensified the aggression in her game. Claiming two consecutive love service games after being broken. Still, it was not enough to derail Wozniacki and her brick wall defensive play. Illustrated best by a thrilling 18-shot rally during the seventh game of their encounter.
Best rally of the final so far. pic.twitter.com/pV9vWsejDt
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) 27 January 2018
Halep’s resurgence in the first set came at the expense of a wobble from her opponent. A nerve-stricken Wozniacki service game was punished by the aggressive top seed as she clawed her way back to level 5-5. Prompting a mighty cheer inside the Rod Laver Arena as the proceedings went into a tiebreaker.
Fighting hard to weather the storm, world No.2 Wozniacki managed to regain control by dictating the rallies with some deep hitting towards the baseline. Securing a double break to move to a 5-2 lead in the tie-break. Continuing the momentum, she grabbed her first set point with a forehand winner slammed down the centre of the court. An opportunity she seized in typical Wozniacki fashion with another shot towards the far end of the court to force an error from Halep.
The Halep resurrection
The brutal opener took its toll on a jaded Halep. Five games into the second set, the match was halted due to a medical time out. The top seed requested to see a doctor after feeling dizzy on the court and had her blood pressure taken. Conditions in Melbourne exceeded 30 degrees with high humidity, prompting the heat rule to be applied.
Upon resumption there was a new dynamic to the final. Even though a weary Halep looked to be on her last legs, she continued to cause Wozniacki problems by breaking for a 5-3 lead with a clean forehand winner. Prompting an equal amount of praise and concern from her coach, Darren Cahill, in the crowd. Against the odds, Halep continued her comeback by forcing the match into a decider on her third set point. Dealing a huge blow to Wozniacki’s mentality and belief.
The fight back
The gut-busting clash continued into the decider with the first free games lasting 33 minutes. Wozniacki seemed destined to cruised toward the finish line after breaking for a 2-0 lead. Only for Halep to break back during a marathon six-deuce game. In total, seven breaks of serve occurred during the roller-coaster last set.
As Halep regained momentum, it was Wozniacki’s turn to suffer from the physical effects of the titanic clash. Taking a medical timeout for treatment on her knee after being broken to trail 4-3 in the decider.
Despite suffering the setback, Wozniacki held her nerve to prevail and create Australian Open history. Earning her first match point after a blistering 16-shot rally before sealing the win with the help of as Halep backhand error. Prompting an exhausted Wozniacki to collapse in tears.
“I want to congratulate Simona. I know today is tough and I’m sorry I had to win, but I am sure we will have many matches in the future.” The new Australian Open champion said to Halep.
“It was an incredible match, an incredible fight.
“Last but not least, I want to thank my dad who has been there since I was seven. We’ve had ups and down, but you’ve been there every step of the way.”
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Wozniaki’s triumph has been praised by runner-up Halep, who will lose her No.1 ranking. She has now lost in the final of three grand slam tournaments.
“I want to congratulate Caroline. Good luck for the future.” Said Halep.
“It’s been a great tournament for me, I started not very well with an ankle injury but wanted to give my best.
“Of course I am sad but Caroline was better than me. I fight and have many years to go, so hopefully will face another challenge like today.”
A new WTA record has been achieved following win by the Danish player. Wozniacki has returned to the top of the WTA rankings for the first time in six years. The longest gap between holding the No.1 ranking in the history of the women’s game.
As a result of her Melbourne victory, Wozniacki has also become on the fourth woman in history to earn over $30 million in career prize money.
