Home Tags Posts tagged with "french open final"

french open final

0

Simona Halep, the current world No 1, finally won her first Grand Slam title with a gutsy comeback victory over American 10th seed Sloane Stephens in this year’s French Open final.

The 26-year-old had lost in two previous French Open finals – to Maria Sharapova in 2014 and Jelena Ostapenko in 2017 – and against Caroline Wozniacki in this year’s Australian Open showpiece.

Simona Halep, went a set and a break down at Roland Garros.

However, the Romanian battled back to take a see-saw second set against the US Open champion.

Simona Halep then raced away with the third to win 3-6 6-4 6-1.

Image source WTA

Indian Wells 2015: Simona Halep wins BNP Paribas Open final after beating Jelena Jankovic

She said in the build-up to this match that she felt relaxed and would not be fazed by the pressure of winning her first Slam.

After the match, Simona Halep said: “I did everything I could. It is amazing what is happening now.

“I have been dreaming for this moment since I started playing tennis.”

Simona Halep clinched victory with her first match point, Stephens unable to return a powerful first serve.

The top seed dropped her racquet in celebration, covering her face with both hands before Sloane Stephens walked around the net to warmly hug the champion.

Given a standing ovation by the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd, a tearful Simona Halep climbed into the stand behind the baseline to celebrate with her family and coaching team.

Serena Williams won this year’s French Open final against Czech 13th seed Lucie Safarova to claim her 20th Grand Slam title.

WTA No 1 Serena Williams, 33, needed two hours and one minute to win 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 at Roland Garros.

Photo AP

Photo AP

Lucie Safarova, who played her first Grand Slam final, led by a break in the decider but Serena Williams won the last six games.

Serena Williams becomes the third player – male or female – to win 20 major singles titles.

Only Germany’s Steffi Graf on 22 has won more since the open era began in 1968, with Australia’s Margaret Court collecting 24 between 1960 and 1973.

Victory at Wimbledon in July would see Serena Williams hold all four major titles at once, having managed the feat already in 2003.