Romania's Simona Halep describes epic 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 semi-final victory over Germany's Angelique Kerber as an emotionally draining rollercoaster
Romania's World No. 1 Simona Halep celebrates her Australian Open semi-final win over Germany's Angelique Kerber yesterday. Pic/AFP
World No. 1 Simona Halep set up an Australian Open final against Caroline Wozniacki after a thrilling 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 battle past former champion Angelique Kerber yesterday. In a see-sawing contest, Halep sprinted into a 6-3, 3-1 lead before the 2016 Melbourne Park winner, seeded 21, fought back.
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The Romanian prevailed in her fourth match point to ensure a new name will grace the trophy tomorrow. "Definitely, it was very tough. I'm still shaking now. I'm really emotional right now because I won this match," said Halep. "I knew it was going to be tough. She is hitting from everywhere, I'm glad I could resist. Thank you everyone for supporting me, you helped me."
Halep scampered to the first set in 25 minutes and, after dropping the second set against the run of play, squandered two match points in the third before saving two from Kerber as she served for the match at 6-5. "I said if she come back I could do it. I had confidence in myself," said Halep. "I tried to be calm today. It was a rollercoaster, up and down. If you don't give up you can win. I did it well. I am proud of myself." The win sets up an intriguing final where a first Slam title and the World No. 1 ranking will be on the line for both Halep and Wozniacki, with the winner claiming both.
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