Game, set and match: Simona Halep wins 6-3, 4-6, 9-7!

webdream (27)in #tennis • 7 years ago

Game, set and match: Simona Halep wins 6-3, 4-6, 9-7!

Simona Halep has advanced to Saturday night’s Australian Open 2018 final after a stunning 6-3 4-6 6 9-7 win over Angelique Kerber.In a topsy-turvy encounter both players held match points before Halep finally clinched victory on her fourth attempt after a thrilling 69-minute final set.

She will meet Caroline Wozniacki in the final with both players searching for their maiden Grand Slam title.Halep raced out of the blocks, winning the first five games in next to no time and despite conceding the next three, she was able to secure the opening set.

The Romaninan opened up a 3-1 lead in the second set, but Kerber again fought back to get the set on level terms at 3-3.Kerber gradually got on top and won a series of clutch points to break Halep and send the match into a decider. She broke again to open the third set, but Halep immediately hit back and then broke again for a 5-3 lead.

But Kerber again responded, breaking back after a stunning backhand winner following an amazing 26-shot rally. Serving to stay in the match, Kerber saved two match points at 15-40 and eventually held to put the pressure back on Halep.

Halep wilted and surrendered her serve and it looked all over when Kerber brought up two match points on her serve.

However Halep wasn’t ready to give up, saving both with some big hitting and then breaking to extend the match.

Halep spurned another match point on Kerber’s serve but didn’t miss on her fourth attempt with a Kerber backhand sailing long to send the Romanian into the final.