Simona Halep overcomes Sloane Stephens to break Grand Slam duck
Simona Halep has claimed her first Grand Slam title after battling back from the brink to beat Sloane Stephens and win the French Open.
The world number one came into the final on the back of three previous failures to win finals in majors.
That curse looked like continuing when Stephens found herself a set and a break up midway through the second set.
However, Romanian Halep dug deep to win an absolutely remarkable match, with both players producing some spells of genuine brilliance.
“I was dreaming of this moment since I was starting to play tennis. I’m really happy it’s happened in Roland-Garros in Paris – my special city.”@Simona_Halep loves you, Paris.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/LHGTa6czLh
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 9, 2018
Ultimately, however, the final turned on a stroke a luck, when Helap got a favourable net-bounce to get an opportunity to go a double-break up in the decider.
That opportunity was taken, Stephens’ spirit was broken, and Helap went on to close out the match 3-6 6-4 6-1 and finally win that elusive first Grand Slam title.
Latest
-
NewsCameron Norrie gives his verdict as he storms into the Indian Wells final
The new British number one triumphed 6-2 6-4 and will take on either Taylor Fritz or Nikoloz Basilashvili on Sunday.
-
Tennis NewsGet to know Britain’s new number one Cameron Norrie as he closes in on a rankings breakthrough
Norrie is guaranteed to overtake Dan Evans in the ATP rankings after reaching the semi-finals in Indian Wells.
-
Tennis NewsVictoria Azarenka’s return to form sweeps her into the Indian Wells final
Paula Badosa will play Victoria Azarenka in…
-
Tennis NewsDefeats for Zverev and Tsitsipas ensure shock final four at Indian Wells
Taylor Fritz saved two match points as he stunned world number four Alexander Zverev
-
Tennis NewsExclusive – Meet the brothers who grew up alongside Stefanos Tsitsipas and are now teaching the Mouratoglou way
Two of Stefanos Tsitsipas’ former adversaries in the junior ranks have given us the inside story on his rise.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray set for huge rankings collapse after Indian Wells exit
Former world No.1 Andy Murray has been…
-
Tennis NewsMoment of history for Ons Jabeur as she seals last four spot in Indian Wells
Ons Jabeur sealed her place in the BNP Paribas Open’s final four with a straight-sets victory over Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit.
-
Tennis NewsGrigor Dimitrov gives his verdict as he secures another big win in Indian Wells
Dimitrov’s revival continues as he battled past Hubert Hurkacz in a deciding set tie-break.
-
News
Cameron Norrie reaches first ATP Masters semi-final as Indian Wells win sees him become new British No 1
Cameron Norrie saw off Diego Schwartzman in the last eight.
-
WTA Tour‘I look forward to returning to the Tour in the next couple of weeks,’ says Emma Raducanu after withdrawing from WTA event
Emma Raducanu won’t be heading to Russia next week.