Melbourne: A determined Caroline Wozniacki held firm to shake off a tenacious challenge from Simona Halep, edging a classic Australian Open final 7-6(7-2), 3-6, 6-4 to claim her first Grand Slam title, Saturday.
After a captivating tussle played out in stifling humidity at a floodlit Rod Laver Arena, the Dane hung tough in a see-saw final set to claim the thriller when Halep wavered on serve.
The result ensured Wozniacki swiped Halep’s World No.1 ranking, six years after losing it at the 2012 Australian Open. “I have to take a second to hug Daphne…it’s a dream come true, and my voice is shaking, it’s a very emotional moment,” a teary-eyed Wozniacki said, cradling the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup at the presentation ceremony.
“I want to congratulate Simona. I know today is a tough day and I’m sorry I had to win. It was an incredible match and an incredible fight, again I’m sorry,” the former fiancé of golfer Rory McIlroy added.
After closing out the nerve-shredding win when Halep netted a backhand, an overwhelmed Wozniacki threw her racket away and collapsed onto the blue hard court as the packed terraces roared. It was third time lucky for Wozniacki following her runner-up finishes at the 2009 and 2014 US Opens.
Both players battled leg problems in the taxing two hour and 49 minutes encounter, the first clash of two non-slam champions in 38 years at the Australian Open.
After battling through a fortnight blighted by an ankle problem, Halep was gallant in defeat, but she let Wozniacki back into the match after breaking her three consecutive times in the final set.
“It’s not easy to talk now but first of all I want to congratulate Caroline, she played amazing… it’s been a great tournament to me,” the twice French Open runner-up told the crowd. “Of course I’m sad I couldn’t win today but Caroline was better than me.”
Reuters
