Halep and Wozniacki endure tough times to reach verge of claiming first major title
World No 1 Simona Halep has had the look of a woman who will settle for nothing less than silverware ever since arriving in Melbourne.
As she heads into this morning’s final against Caroline Wozniacki, she has come a long way from the player who was briefly dumped by coach Darren Cahill last spring because of her poor on-court attitude.
The Romanian fought to reach her second French Open final last summer and looked poised to win the title only for Jelena Ostapenko to blast her way to the crown. Halep’s reaction to the disappointment was to add more aggression to her game and, ultimately, her bravery at the biggest moments was what won her semi-final against Angelique Kerber.
She said: “I feel more experienced. Also stronger mentally. And the way I play, it’s different. I feel I’m more aggressive. I did 50 winners (against Kerber). Eight aces. I hope to keep this also on Saturday.
“I’m ready for it. For sure it’s a big challenge. Maybe the biggest one.”
Halep, pictured, and Wozniacki share the dubious distinction of having held the no 1 ranking without winning a grand slam title – and today’s winner will top the standings on Monday.
Wozniacki was a teenage prodigy who faded but has now risen back to the top of the game. Should she win, she would reclaim the No 1 ranking exactly six years since losing it and set a new record for the longest gap. The 27-year-old Dane, twice a losing finalist at the US Open, insisted she never lost faith, saying: “I always believed in myself. I had a tough period where I had a few injuries.
“But once past that, I knew if I stay healthy and I work hard, my game is good enough. I was just giving myself time. I want to be the best, and that’s why I’m still playing.”