Caroline Wozniacki wins first Grand Slam title with epic victory over Simona Halep in Australia

ByEurosport

Updated 27/01/2018 at 15:13 GMT

Caroline Wozniacki won her first Grand Slam title as she beat number one seed Simona Halep in an exhausting and thrilling Australian Open final, coming out 7-6(2) 3-6 6-4.

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark poses for a photo with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup

Image credit: Getty Images

The Dane famously spent 67 weeks as world number one earlier in her career without winning a Grand Slam and prior to 2018 she had only reached two finals: in the US Open in 2009 and 2014.

Watch the 2018 Australian Open exclusively live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player

But her perseverance paid off as, at the age of 27, she finally joined the ranks of Grand Slam winners thanks to an incredible final at Melbourne Park, which lasted 2 hours and 50 minutes. She takes the number one spot from Halep with the win.

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"My voice is shaking," she said on court as she clutched the trophy close.

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: I've dreamt of this moment for so many years

"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. 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."

See the moment Wozniacki claimed Australian Open glory

Wozniacki came out all guns blazing, opening up a 5-2 lead in the first set with some power hitting and aggressive play putting her opponent on the back foot.

Halep battled back, forcing a tie-break, but Wozniacki recovered and saw it out brilliantly.

Wozniacki unloads big forehand as she takes early lead

The Dane looked to be destined for the title when Halep required a medical timeout while leading 3-2 in the second set.

The world number one appeared to be receiving treatment for dizziness amid hot and humid conditions on Rod Laver Arena, and she looked to be struggling badly when resuming play.

Halep needs treatment in hot and humid conditions

But a break to make it 5-3 gave Halep an edge and she held to take the second set. Both women then made their way off court for a 10-minute break due to the extreme conditions.

Halep’s fitness issues pursued her into the third set, though, and he was broken in her first service game. In an engrossing encounter, Halep broke back twice to lead 4-3 and then it was Wozniacki’s turn for a medical timeout as he had treatment on her left knee.

Wozniacki nails volley after long rally in third set against Halep

Wozniacki made it six breaks from eight breaks in the final set to level at 4-4 in just under 2 hours and 45 minutes, and held her nerve to break, yet again, at the crucial moment.

Halep's wait for her maiden Grand Slam victory continues.

Halep: Hopefully I will face another challenge like today

"I want to congratulate Caroline. Good luck for the future," she said.

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.

Analysis from Marina Navratilova

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