Simona Halep in the Australian Open finals

A match with two winners: Australian Open finals pitching Simona Halep of Romania against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark

Roxana Vasile, 29.01.2018, 13:25

‘I cried but now I am smiling!’ Here is how Simona Halep summed up her feelings in the news conference after the Australian Open Finals, a game she lost to Danish Caroline Wozniacki 7-6, 3-6, 6-4. This has been the third Grand Slam finals lost by Simona after those in Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017.

Stakes were also big for Wozniacki who on Saturday managed to win her first Grand Slam title. As of Monday the Danish climbed onto the first position in the WTA rankings, which the Romanian occupied for 16 weeks, a performance unequaled in Romania so far. In spite of the result in Melbourne, experts believe that Simona Halep is prepared from all points of view to make a powerful comeback anytime now.

Because after the Australian finals Halep looks anything but defeated, being better physically and mentally trained than ever. However the prolonged games prior to the finals had taken their toll on the Romanian’s physical shape. Halep rolled her ankle in the first game she played in Melbourne and had to put up with pain all throughout the games she had to play until the finals. Halep herself admitted, quote: ‘my legs weren’t good enough…Muscles were tired and all. Today my body said ‘NO’; I was unable to move as I wanted; I’ve played too many tough games.’

Upon the finals Simona had to be admitted to hospital for dehydration treatment as she had to play at 38 degrees Celsius. Hospital images with Simona have already circulated all over the world.

Simona Halep had the support of many fans in Melbourne during a game that held all the Romanians at home breathless. And if the result wasn’t exactly what they wanted, they are pleased with the show their compatriot put up in Melbourne.

One could read on social networks: “She fought with all her might and deserves our respect” Bravo, Simona!

The Australian Open finals have made headlines in the international press as well. The match between Halep and Wozniacki has been described as one of best finals of the Australian Open full of suspense, tension and fair play. It had all the ingredients of a great match.