Highlights, Australian Open 2018, women's singles final: Caroline Wozniacki wins 1st Grand Slam title

We got a cracker of a match today. Here’s hoping we get the same on Day 14 as well.

Take a look at the schedule for Sunday

Mixed doubles final – 4:00 pm (10.30 am IST)

Timea Baboa (HUN)/Rohan Bopanna (IND x5) v Gabriela Dabrowski (CAN)/ Mate Pavic (CRO x8)

Men’s singles final – Not before 7:30 pm (2 pm IST)

Marin Cilic (CRO x6) v Roger Federer (SUI x2)

There’s still one final singles match to go in the first Grand Slam of the year

What an incredible women’s final match to cap of an even better tournament

Wozniacki was down 15-40, 1-5 in her second round against Jana Fett. She saved two match point and now she has been crowned the Australian Open champion.

Here’s a recap of that epic match:

Caroline Wozniacki has captured her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, rebounding in the third set to beat Simona Halep 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4.

Halep was broken in her opening service game of the third set to go down 2-0, just as she was in the first set. This time, however, the top-seeded Romanian was able to recover and break Wozniacki back in the marathon third game on her sixth break chance.

Wozniacki then called a trainer for treatment on her knee after being broken for the third time in the set to go down 3-4. Halep waited behind the baseline, bouncing the ball with her racket and trying to keep her legs loose.

When they returned to the court, Wozniacki immediately broke back to level the match at 4-all and then broke Halep in the Romanian’s next service game to take the match.

Both Halep and Wozniacki had previously lost two Grand Slam finals — Halep twice at the French Open and Wozniacki twice at the US Open.

Wozniacki will also regain the No 1 ranking next week, six years after she previously held the top spot.

Halep’s coach congratulates Wozniacki in the corridor. Class.

Sporting gesture from Halep's coach Darren Cahill.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/7gCDGvpfHa

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Well played.

Good times never seemed so good!

Sweet @CaroWozniacki 🎶🎶#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/cpkWT52DWj

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

‘Sweet Caroline’ blaring on the speakers as Wozniacki does a victory lap with the trophy.

We see you, DJ!

Take a look at the final stats from the women’s final. Only two point separated Halep and Woznaicki. 

Caroline Wozniacki becomes the first Danish player in history to win a Grand Slam

Caroline's coronation 🏆#AusOpen @Kia_Motors #KiaTennis pic.twitter.com/WrgUIhfC9L

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Halep with the runner-up trophy

"For sure I will fight, I have many years to go so hopefully I will face another challenge like this today."

A warrior today, a warrior all tournament. Well played, Simona.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/jlS2t3hsXA

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

This is what it means to win your first Grand Slam and become world number one again.

Wozniacki: “I am taking a second to hug Daphne (the trophy). This is a dream come true. I am shaking it’s very emotional. I think I might cry. This is such a special tournament.”

Halep admits she is really sad at losing but gives a great runner-up speech!

“It’s been a great tournament for me…I couldn’t win today but for sure I will fight and I have many years left. I’m sad that I couldn’t make it the third time, but maybe the fourth time will be with luck."

Caroline Wozniacki will regain the number one spot six years after last holding the position.

This is the longest gap between stints at the top since computerised rankings were introduced in 1975.

Wozniacki celebrates after winning the Australian Open

WHAT. A. MATCH.@CaroWozniacki wins her maiden Grand Slam with victory against Simona #Halep in the #AusOpen Women's Final!

🇩🇰🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZbofMHgjAQ

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Caroline Wozniacki wins her first Grand Slam title!

Wozniacki defeats Simona Halep 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4 and will regain the World No 1 ranking.

Wozniacki breaks and wins the match

First double fault of the match from Halep and it’s 30-30. 

Unreal rally from Wozniacki and she brings up CHAMPIONSHIP POINT. 

Halep nets an easy backhand and Wozniacki wins.

Wozniacki finally gets an easy hold. 5-4.

Another momentum shift as the Dane wins two games on the trot. Pressure now on the World No 1.

Halep will now have to serve to stay alive in this match.

Who are you rooting for?

You just can't look away.

Halep or Wozniacki? Wozniacki or Halep?#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/WTusWaXwQV

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

So much drama in this tense final!

Just can’t pick between the two players at the moment.

Halep broken and we are back on serve. 4-4.

Wozniacki comes out to win the first two points on Halep’s serve. Looks like she is back in attack mode after a few passive games. 

I spoke too soon. At 15-30, Wozniacki again goes too defensive and refuses to pounce on a meek second serve. 30-30.

Lots of running and defending from Wozniacki and she gets the error from Halep this time. Very wild foreahnd from Halep. BREAK POINT. 

Some extremely gutsy play from Halep on break point and she saves it by taking the ball out of the air off a short Wozniacki return.

Two points later, Wozniacki break back with her great retrieval skills. All square at 4-4.

Halep is ahead for the first time in the deciding set. Can she hold on to her advantage? 

#Halep breaks for a 4-3 lead in the 3rd by forcing a.... FH error.

Smart strategy 👌#Wozniacki must play a lot more Ad ct points to set up her BH.

Simple stuff under the bright lights 💡 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/f6hujtE7dA

— Craig O'Shannessy 🇺🇦 (@BrainGameTennis) January 27, 2018

Wozniacki has called for the trainer at the change of ends

She is getting some treatment for her left knee over a medical timeout.

Halep breaks, wins three straight games for 4-3

Halep lets a 0-30 opportunity slip away on Wozniacki’s serve. But she makes it deuce to give herself another chance in this game. 

A wild forehand from Wozniacki and it’s break point for Halep. The Dane’s first serve letting her down at the moment. 

Forehand errors creeping into Wozniacki’s game now. She sprays one far left for a Halep break. The World No 1 leads 4-3.

Stat update:

Winners:

Wozniacki: 21, Halep: 37

Unforced errors:

Wozniacki: 23, Halep: 37

After two hours and 24 minutes of gruelling play, we are at 3-3 in the 3rd set 

Down... but never out 🙏@Simona_Halep digs deep with an unreal level of spirit to level the score at 3-3.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/aPO5nzdRl0

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Summary of this match

Anybody's guess, this final now. Tired legs. Jangly nerves. Stakes galore.

— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) January 27, 2018

Four straight breaks of serve in the 3rd set. 3-2

Wozniacki falls behind 0-30 on her serve. An unforced error from Halep makes it 15-30.

Halep comes up with some amazing defence and hooks a forehand back into play from one corner of the court and then wins the long rally. Halep breaks once again to bring the third set back on serve.

Really poor game from Halep and she gets broken at love. 1-3

Wozniacki back in the driver’s set.

Wozniacki broken and it’s back on serve at 1-2

Marathon game from Wozniacki that went to SIX DEUCES!

Wozniacki double faults on the SIXTH BREAK POINT for Halep and the third set is back on serve.

Halep’s forehand has kept her alive in this match.

Halep looks like she has nothing left in her legs but she is still winning points. That forehand has been so good. 

The world number one isn't going anywhere. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/NR7dNAoNqC

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Wozniacki breaks for a 2-0 lead

Halep clearly still struggling with fitness and is not getting anything on her serves. The World No 1 is trying to keep the point short but can’t get out of this service game.

On break point, Wozniacki pounces on a 113 kmph second serve from Halep and gets the break!

Wozniacki four games away from reclaiming the No 1 ranking and claiming her first Grand Slam title.

Career third-set records (win-loss):

Halep – 83-45

Wozniacki- 139-73

Who wins this all-important third set?

Wozniacki holds for 1-0

Wozniacki drops the first two points at the start of the third set but wins the next four to hold. 

Halep is moving quite gingerly between points but she is still attacking at every opportunity. Long way to go in this match.

Both players are back on court for the 3rd set

A test of Halep’s legs and Wozniacki’s nerves. Who do you think will prevail?

Cahill will be happy with that set from Halep

"10/10 second set, Simona"

Darren Cahill, probably.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/VRuLetf2wq

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Take a look at the stats from the second set. Halep saved all seven break points that she faced

There’s a 10-minute break before the 3rd set starts due to the heat rule being in effect

Halep has gone off court after she won the second set.

Simona Halep levels the match.

It’s 6-7(2), 6-3 after an hour and 40 minutes.

Halep saves three break points and clinches the second set on her third set point! We are going to a decider. 

Quite a passive game from Wozniacki as she can’t take advantage of all her chances, Halep labouring with her left thigh and not moving at her best but she still manages to hold and win the second set 6-3.

Difficult conditions for both players

30 degrees Celsius and 60% humidity. The heat rule is in effect, so if Halep wins the second set, there will be a 10-minute break.

Shift in momentum as Halep breaks to lead 5-3 in the 2nd set

Halep lands the forehand right on the sideline to break to 15.

However, she is struggling with her left thigh and isn’t moving too well. 

Can she hold and force a decider?

Halep makes it 4-3

The World No 1 was assisted by a net cord that made the ball drop on the court and Wozniacki dumps her forehand into the net. Halep holds for 4-3.

It’s 3-3 in the second set after Wozniacki holds

Halep looking a little lethargic at the moment and doesn’t attack at all on Wozniacki’s second serves.

Halep glares at her box after her very poor return game.

Halep over the medical timeout

.@Simona_Halep has called for medical attention.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/29HveuYVrl

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Halep holds easily for 3-2 but calls for the physio at the change of ends

A medical timeout for the World No 1 as she gets her pulse and blood pressure tested.

It’s a hot, muggy night in Melbourne.

Wozniacki takes little time to make it 2-2

Wozniacki jumps ahead to 40-0 on her serve but then dropped the next two with a return error and an unforced error. 

Halep with a small chance at 40-30 but she couldn’t keep her return in play. 

Halep today in the final:

Return points won on Wozniacki’s first serve: 5/30

Return points won on Wozniacki’s second serve: 3/16

Not the best figures for the Romanian.

Wozniacki living by the line

Wozniacki taking 49% of shots down-the-line so far. For me, her excellent redirection of the ball has made the difference so far: #AusOpen Live Blog: https://t.co/f6r3rCSUBS pic.twitter.com/QHRfd0vPGw

— Leigh Walsh (@LeighWalsh87) January 27, 2018

HUGE hold from Halep after an 11-minute service game!

The World No 1 saved FOUR BREAK POINTS and held for 2-1. 

That game had some wicked angles, some beautiful forehands and a lot of court running. One wonky dropshot from Halep helped her save her third break point.

Both players start the second set with service holds. 1-1.

Halep dropped two points on her serve but Wozniacki cruised to a love-hold. 

Wozniacki with the momentum in her favour after snatching the first set.

Stat alert:

Since Wimbledon 2014, Wozniacki is 33-2 at Slams when winning the first set.

Her only two losses have come to Jelena Ostapenko and Yulia Putintseva.

Halep will need to attack better on Wozniacki’s serves, especially her second serve to have a chance in this final

Two second-serve returns gagged by #Halep --- one at 2-4, 15-0 on #Wozniacki serve and 1-2 in the tiebreaker, both halting her momentum, with consequences..#AusOpen

— Mert Ertunga (@MertovsTDesk) January 27, 2018

Take a look at the first set stats 

Steely tie-break from Wozniacki and some excellent defence

.@CaroWozniacki wingspan 💯#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/D0isc8eNHw

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Caroline Wozniacki wins the first set 7-6(2) in 52 minutes.

The World No 2 is one set away from her first Grand Slam title.

Wozniacki wins the tie-break 7-2.

After the change of ends, Wozniacki gets another mini-break and then brings up FOUR SET POINTS at 6-2.

Just the first one is enough, as the World No 2 fires a solid serve and seals the tie-break with a powerful forehand that caught Halep off balance.

Tie-break time!

Brilliant rally from Wozniacki as she steps in after pushing Halep wide to win the first point on her serve.

Haleploses the next point after one long rally where Wozniacki again does a great job of pushing her off the court with her groundstorkes. First mini-break to Wozniacki. 1-1.

ACE out wide from Halep. Wozniacki challenges but Hawk-Eye shows the ball clipped the line. 1-2. 

Wozniacki holds easily on her next two serves and jumps to a 4-1 lead. 

HUGE point from Halep that she wins with a forehand smacked down the line. Halep makes it 2-4.

We are going to a tie-break!

Halep comes up with a very good serve at 40-30 to hold for 6-6.

Who are you rooting for?

🇷🇴 & 🇩🇰 flags decorating @RodLaverArena!#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/oo6XskN5jN

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Wozniacki responds with a love-hold and edges ahead 6-5

Much better from Dane, back to being aggressive with her shots. Love hold to take the lead again and now Halep will be under pressure as she comes into serve to stay alive in this set. 

Can Halep force a tie-break here?

Third love-hold for Halep and she’s levelled the match at 5-5

Two back-to-back aces in the game from Halep. 

The Romanian did well to not panic, bid her time and raise her level as soon as she was presented with an opportunity.

Update on the numbers:

Halep: 10 winners, 11 unforced errors 

Wozniacki: 5 winners, 9 unforced errors

Wow, that’s some stat!

Caroline Wozniacki is only 24-20 in her career vs seeded players at Slams.

This would be her first win over a top-5 player at a Slam. #AusOpen

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 27, 2018

Halep breaks back and the set is back on serve. 5-4.

Wozniacki falls behind 0-40 while serving for the set. THREE BREAK POINTS for Halep. 

Halep could have broken at love after a brutal long rally but she hits her forehand on the run just wide. Wozniacki saves the next point as well but on the third break point, her backhand sails lone and she is broken.

Halep has found a way back in the opening set. 5-4.

Halep holds for 3-5

Halep in a bit of trouble at 30-30 on her serve. 

She invites Wozniacki into a long rally with her backhands and makes the Dane chase from one end of the court to another. Halep finishes off with a winner in the open court. 40-30.

The World No 1 holds on the next point and Wozniacki will now serve for the first set.

Wozniacki holds for 5-2, one game away from taking the opening set

Unreal point from both players at 30-15 with Halep doing everything possible to win a point — she pulls off a decent drop shot after pushing Wozniacki behind the baseline. But the Dane was up for the challenege and ran down the ball, catching it with her racquet and shovelling it into the corner of the court. Halep lobs the ball back only for Wozniacki to return it with an overhead shot! Halep couldn’t keep the ball in play and it’s 40-15 to Wozniacki. 

Backhand error from Halep and Wozniacki holds. She’s just a game away from winning the first set.

Four straight forehand winners from Halep and she holds at love for 2-4

Excellent game from the World No 1. She did a great job of moving Wozniacki all around the court — from one end to another and used her forehand to end points early. 

Coach Darren Cahill looks happy with that game.

Australian Open 2018: World No 1 rank at stake as Simona Halep, Caroline Wozniacki battle for first Grand Slam title – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

Wozniacki surges ahead to 4-1.

At 40-0, Wozniacki thows in her second double fault of the match so far. 

Halep overhits her forehand on the next point and allows Wozniacki to hold easily. 

The Romanian hasn’t quite found her hitting range yet.

Halep gets on board with a love-hold. 1-3.

Much better game from the World No 1, showing her attacking intent and coming to the net. 

Halep will need to do more of the same to try and break back in the opening set.

No 1 Simona Halep vs No 2 Caroline Wozniacki!

Both players are looking for their first Grand Slam title after coming up short twice before — Halep losing twice in the French Open final, Wozniacki twice at the US Open.

The winner walks away with the World No 1 ranking.

The conditions were hot and humid when the match started with the temperature at 32 degrees Celsius.

Wozniacki consolidates for 3-0

This is some excellent tennis from the World No 2 right at the start of the match. She was stretched to 30-30 on her serve but came up with a perfect hooked forehand hit right in the corner of the open court. 

Wozniacki is moving well, has been aggressive at every opportunity and hitting powerful serves. 3-0.

She is the one controlling rallies from the middle of the court and Halep looks a little lost!

Wozniacki breaks fro 2-0!

An unforced error from Halep and a beautiful forehand winner down the line makes it 0-30 on Halep’s serve. 

Strong start from Wozniacki, attacking down the line without fear or favor. This time she goes down the line with her backhand and gets the first BREAK POINTS of the match. 15-40. 

Wozniacki nets an easy return to squander the first break point. Halep’s sliced backhand sails long on the next point and she has been broken.

What an extremely aggressive start from the Dane!

Wozniacki holds for 1-0.

Wozniacki starts off with an excellent serve out wide. 15-0. 

Two more solid serves and she jumps to 40-0.

Halep takes the ball early, attacks and then comes in to the net to volley home. 40-15.

Wozniacki holds easily on the next point. Great start from the World No 2, exactly what she needed to get rid of any early nerves.

Here’s how they have done in the Aus Open so far

Some 📊 to get you prepared for tonight's blockbuster:@CaroWozniacki
-36 FH winners
-98 FH errors
-42 BH winners
-69 BH errors
-9h 59m on court@Simona_Halep
-81 FH winners
-141 FH errors
-40 BH winners
-135 BH errors
-11h 30m on court#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/JWgTiCJ6nI

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

Ready? Play!

Caroline Wozniacki to serve first to start off the match.

Caroline Wozniacki won the toss and chose to serve! 

Here we go.

1️⃣ v 2️⃣. @Simona_Halep v @CaroWozniacki. Grand Slam glory to play for.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/auY8aUmulS

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

The players are walking out on court!

We are minutes away from live action. 

Follow along as we bring you minute-by-minute updates from the first final of the first Grand Slam of 2018.

Here’s what Halep and Wozniacki are fighting for: the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup!

Here she is...#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ouqlSHAAvD

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2018

This is the first time in Grand Slam history that both finalists have saved match points earlier in the tournament.

Halep is the first to do it in multiple matches and still reach the final. She had to save three match points in the third round against Lauren Davis and two more against Angelique Kerber in the semi-final.

Wozniacki saved two against unseeded Jana Fett in the second round.

Simona Halep’s road to the final

1st round: bt Destanee Aiava (Australia) 7-6 (7/5), 6-1

2nd round: bt Eugenie Bouchard (Canada) 6-2, 6-2

3rd round: bt Lauren Davis (USA) 4-6, 6-4, 15-13

4th round: bt Naomi Osaka (Japan) 6-3, 6-2

Quarter-final: bt Elina Pliskova (Czech Republic x6) 6-3, 6-2

Semi-final: bt Angelique Kerber (Germany x21) 6-3, 4-6, 9-7

Caroline Wozniacki’s road to the final

1st round: bt Mihaela Buzarnescu (Romania) 6-2, 6-3

2nd round: bt Jana Fett (Croatia) 3-6, 6-2, 7-5

3rd round: bt Kiki Bertens (Netherlands x30) 6-4, 6-3

4th round: bt Magdalena Rybarikova (Slovakia x19) 6-3, 6-0

Quarter-final: bt Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain) 6-0, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2

Semi-final: bt Elise Mertens (Belgium) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2)

Head-to-head: Wozniacki leads Halep 4-2

2017 Singapore, Hard, first round: Wozniacki 6-0, 6-2

2017 Eastbourne, Grass, quarter-final: Wozniacki 5-7. 6-4, 6-1

2015 Stuttgart, Clay, semi-final: Wozniacki 7-5, 5-7, 6-2

2015 Dubai, Hard, Round of 16: Halep 2-6, 6-1, 6-1

2013 New Haven, Hard, semi-final: Halep 6-2, 7-5

2012 Dubai, Hard, Round of 16: Wozniacki 6-2, 6-3

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live coverage of the Australian Open!

It’s time for the women’s final. Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki clash in a winner-takes-all battle. At stake today — their maiden Grand Slam trophy and the World No 1 ranking.

The match starts at 2 pm IST. Stay tuned as we build up to the women’s singles final.