Australian Open 2018: Caroline Wozniacki books place in final with win over Elise Mertens
CAROLINE WOZNIACKI had to dig deep to beat Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-6 (7-2), to reach her first Australian Open final.
Caroline Wozniacki booked her place in the Australian Open final
The 27-year-old has never won a Grand Slam before, despite reaching the US Open final on two occasions.
However, she stands a great chance of winning her first Australian Open title after seeing off a touch challenge from Mertens.
The Dane got off to a great start in the first set, breaking Mertens’ serve in the fourth to take a 3-1 lead.
And she managed to hold on draw first blood by taking the first set 6-3.
In an almost carbon copy of the first, Wozniacki broke once again midway through the set to put her completely in control of the match.
However, when Wozniacki was serving for the match, Mertens refused to be beaten and broke back at the most crucial point of the set.
Elise Mertens made Caroline Wozniacki work hard for the win
The Belgian then forced a tie-break with Wozniacki all at see and momentum fully with the 22-year-old.
But Wozniacki regained her composure to book her place in the final where she will either face Simona Halep or Angelique Kerber.
After reaching her first Australian Open final, Wozniacki said: “It means so much to me.
“I got really tired at 5-4 and there were a couple of double faults.
“I told myself to calm down as I felt like I was hitting a wall.
“I remember serving for the match in the semi-finals in 2011 and had a match point and that was on my mind, but I tried to stay calm and got the win.”