Simona Halep survived a three-set thriller against Angelique Kerber Thursday to set up a winner-takes-all Australian Open final against Caroline Wozniacki, where the number one ranking will be on the line. The Romanian said for a fleeting moment she thought "everything had gone" when facing two Kerber match points before battling past the former champion 6-3, 4-6, 9-7.
But the tenacious Halep stayed alive to put her number one ranking up for grabs in the showdown against the number two seed, with both desperate to win a maiden Grand Slam title. "Definitely was very tough. I'm shaking now," said Halep, who saved the match points at 5-6 on Kerber's serve in the third set. She confessed she wasn't sure how she did it.
"I don't remember, but I didn't think about the score. I just took point by point. I had actually two moments when I felt that the match was over," she said. "I had no power anymore and everything is gone. I didn't give up, which meant a lot, and that's how I won the match." Wozniacki beat unseeded Belgian Elise Mertens 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) after a late wobble when she was broken serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set.
"Halep, just like me, was down match points early on in the tournament," said Wozniacki. "I think it's exciting because we're both playing for the number one ranking." Saturday's final, which could be played in forecast temperature of up to 35 Celsius (95 Farenheit), looks set to be a gruelling do-or-die clash between two players known for their tenacity and court coverage.
"I respect her a lot, and I know it's going to be similar. I will have to run, so a very good rest after this match," said Halep of Wozniacki. "I want to give my best ... and not think about the title. If it's going to come, it's going to come." In a see-sawing contest, Halep sprinted into a 6-3, 3-1 lead before 2016 Melbourne Park winner Kerber, seeded 21, fought back. The Romanian finally prevailed in 2hr 20min with her fourth match point to ensure a new name will grace the trophy.
"I tried to be calm today. It was a rollercoaster, up and down," said Halep. "If you don't give up you can win. I did it well. I am proud of myself."
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