It proved to be a case of third time lucky for Caroline Wozniacki after she claimed her first major title by winning the Australian Open with victory over Simona Halep in a pulsating championship decider on Rod Laver Arena.
Wozniacki, who has been US Open runner-up twice (2009 and 2014), achieved her major breakthrough by beating Halep 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 6-4 in a punishing final contested amid stifling heat and across two hours and 50 minutes.
The triumph also gave the Dane the world number one ranking.
Wozniacki wept tears of joy after also returning to the top of the rankings – ending a record six-year stint between stints – with the watershed win at Melbourne Park.
In denying the brave but vanquished Halep her own elusive major breakthrough, Wozniacki not only usurped the Romanian as world number one but also delivered Denmark its first major singles crown.
Wozniacki showed her emotion as she explained how much winning the Australian Open had meant during the post-match presentation.
Wozniacki gave a special mention to her father Piotr, who had coached her since she was seven years old.
“You’ve coached me from the start,” Wozniacki said.
“We’ve been through ups and downs but you stood by my side every step of the way. So thank you.”
