Caroline Wozniacki wins Australian Open title after epic battle with Halep
After 43 grand slam appearances, it was finally Caroline Wozniacki’s turn. The 27-year-old’s maiden and elusive major makes her the first Danish player to win a grand slam singles title after prevailing over a fearsome and spirited Simona Halep in three brilliant sets, 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4.
The nature of the gruelling affair spoke of the resolve of a deserved winner, even if there was also no deserved loser. After six long years, Wozniacki regains world No 1 status, replacing Halep at the top of the rankings – an incredible turnaround of form for a player who dropped as low as No 74 as recently as August 2016.
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Wozniacki held back tears as she addressed the crowd. “I dreamed of this moment for so many years,” she said. “To be here today is a dream come true. I never cry, but today is an emotional moment.”
The victor also acknowledged the vanquished and the pain she was experiencing in coming so close to her own maiden slam title. They had previously been a runner-up on two occasions and the new world No 1 said it was easy to empathise with the Romanian. “I knew going into the match one of us was going to be very disappointed and sad afterwards,” she said. “I can only imagine [how she is feeling] ... I know that I didn’t want to think too much about what it would be like to win beforehand, because I knew how much it would hurt to lose.
“I just tried to go in focused and calm – so I’m sure it must be hard for her right now.”
Wozniacki admitted that her medical timeout, taken in the third set when trailing 4-3, had enabled her to refocus on her gameplan, and take a more aggressive game to the Romanian. “She takes the ball very early, I needed to take the pressure to her … I knew I had to step in and hit more freely. I knew if I didn’t I was out.”
Both players struggled with conditions on another humid and hot day, with a 10-minute enforced timeout at the end of the second set appearing to work to Wozniacki’s advantage after Halep had rallied to force the deciding set. “It was very hot and we were very tired,” Wozniacki said. “But we fought our hardest and I’m very proud to be here with the trophy.”
I got too nervous to watch but woke up to @CaroWozniacki new number one and aussie open champ. So awesome. So happy. Are those tears? Yup they are. 😭 from a year ago to today I'm so proud my friend so proud. Literally can't even sleep now
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) January 27, 2018
The Dane had almost been eliminated in the second round, overturning a 5-1 deficit in the final set and saving two match points against the Croat Jana Fett. After that match, Wozniacki was quoted as saying she had nothing to lose and in the final she played as such, despite competing for the biggest prize of her life and one that had eluded her for so long. There were times in her career when she wondered whether she had the capacity to reach peak form again and clinch her first slam.
“At certain points when you have injuries you start doubting if you’re ever going to be 100% healthy for long periods of time but last year I’ve proved I can beat anyone on court.
“I’m just happy I won the title and it’s really special to start off the year like this.
“When you’re in the finals – I’m not going to lie – I was really nervous, but once I settled and I had the warm-up, I thought, I have everything to win and whatever happens, happens, but I’m going to go out fighting. If it’s not enough it is what it is but I’m going to be proud of my effort. World No 1 and new grand slam champion sounds pretty good.”
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Halep, meanwhile, arrived on the greatest stage of all having saved five match points in two separate matches when the final sets went to 15-13 and 9-7 respectively. After the final, Halep admitted she had struggled for energy, having endured severe pain after rolling her ankle in the first round. The injury will require an MRI scan and restricted her to 10-15 minutes of practice a day. Under the circumstances, Halep said she could be proud of her performance.
“Physically it was very tough. But mentally I was ready and I feel I can face any challenge, I can play against anyone, I can win against anyone. But Caroline was better than me.
“For sure I will fight, as I have for many years and hopefully I will face another challenge like today. The people watching back home said I couldn’t make it the third time, maybe the fourth time will be good luck. Hopefully next year I will see you in the same position.”
Wozniacki’s victory continues a hot vein of form for the new champion, who has reached the title match in her past three tournaments, including October’s breakthrough victory at the WTA Finals against Venus Williams, then the biggest victory of her career.
Now, Wozniacki will deal with the inevitable attention of being a first-time grand slam winner, although it will undoubtedly be preferable to the scrutiny of another major final loss.