Caroline Wozniacki secures her first grand slam title with Australian Open win against Simona Halep

THE long wait is over. Almost nine years after first shaping to lift a major, Caroline Wozniacki has validation — and the 2018 Australian Open title. But how did she silence the doubters? Recap her stunning win.

Caroline Wozniacki and Simona Halep both battled the elements on Saturday night. Picture: AAP Images

THE long wait is over. Almost nine years after first shaping to lift a major, Caroline Wozniacki has validation — and the 2018 Australian Open title.

The first Dane to lift a grand slam trophy with a 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-4 victory over Romanian Simona Halep, Wozniacki will reclaim the world No 1 ranking on Monday — almost six years to the day since she last held it.

Coached by her father Piotr, Wozniacki finally claimed one of the four biggest trophies in tennis, erasing memories of defeat in the 2009 and ‘14 US Open deciders.

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With victory, she condemned Halep to a third grand slam final defeat, salting wounds from the 2014 and ‘17 French Open play-offs.

In a classic encounter between two wonderful athletes, Wozniacki recovered from a break down in a titanic deciding set to claim a victory she must have doubted would ever materialise.

She collapsed in tears after Halep’s backhand misfired on match points after 2hrs, 49mins and 218 enthralling points.

DeCaroline Wozniacki celebrates her win. AFP Photo

Both women showed remarkable resilience — as they had throughout the tournament.

Wozniacki saved two match points while retrieving a 1-5 deficit against Jana Fett in the second round.

Halep twice faced match points in cliffhangers against Lauren Davis and 2016 champion Angelique Kerber.

Collectively, they have been maligned and mocked with enduring smears of mental fragility.

Neither played to lose, both aware a third major defeat would be devastating.

Wozniacki took early command, sweepig to a 3-0 lead as Halep took time to settle.

Serving for the set at 5-3, Wozniacki was reduced to 0-40 and squandered a precious opportunity with a lame unforced forehand error.

Suddenly snared in the expected dogfight, Wozniacki charged to 4-1 in the tiebreak before steadying to take the set 7-2 in 50 minutes.

Wozniacki created four break points in the third game of the second set, but Halep survived.

Leading 3-2, distressed Halep was treated by a doctor, who checked her blood pressure.

Simona Halep after the match. Picture: AP Photo

Given medication, Halep broke Wozniacki for the first time for 5-3, earning the right to serve for the second set.

Immediately trailing 15-40, she staved off three break points to level the match in high humidity and heat.

Refreshed after a 10-minute break, Halep shaped to take the third-set initiative as Wozniacki wobbled early on serve.

The Dane help before a gripping contest went into warp mode with four successive service breaks.

Wozniacki was cautioned for possible coaching at the changeover, prompting the blonde to bark “leave me alone” at the umpire before Halep levelled at 3-all.

Now under immense pressure, Wozniacki dropped serve for a third time before undergoing treatment on her left leg.

Caroline Wozniacki after the match. Picture: AFP Photo

With Halep serving for a 5-3 lead, the Dane clawed her way to parity with inspired retrieving and led 5-4.

Now serving to stay in the match, Halep was carted to match point by incredible Wozniacki defence before the Romanian netted a backhand

Wozniacki earned $4 million for the victory. Halep collected $2 million.

Trembling with emotion, Wozniakci apologised to Halep for beating the Romanian in a sensational final.

“I also want to congratulate Simona. I know that today is a tough day,” the Dane said.

“I’m sorry that I had to win today, but... I’m sure we’ll have many matches in the future. It was an incredible match. Incredible fight. Yeah, again I’m sorry.

“I’ve dreamed of this moment for so many years. To be here today is a dream come true. My voice is shaking. I never cry. Today is a very emotional moment. “

Wozniacki paid tribute to her father and coach Piotr and fiancée David Lee.

Nothing could split Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki for most of the match. Picture: AAP Images

“Last but not least I want to thank my team, my Dad, who has always been there from day one since I was seven years old and started playing tennis,” she said.

“You’ve coached me from the start. We’ve been through ups and downs but you stood by my side every step of the way. So thank you.

“I want to thank my fiancee who is here to night. Without your support I was a nervous wreck this morning.

“I just wanted to win so badly. You managed to calm me down and have me enjoy this moment. Thank you so much for being here. Just having the special moment with me.”

A shattered Halep was gracious in defeat.

“It’s not easy to talk now, but first of all I want to congratulate Caroline,” she said.

“She played amazing. All the tournament. Many congrats also to your team, to your father for what you have done this year since you play professional tennis. It’s unbelievable. Congrats and good luck in the future

“It’s been a great tournament for me. I started not very well with ankle injury. But I just wanted to give my best every match. Which I did.

Caroline Wozniacki celebrates her win. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m really happy I could play the final again in a grand slam. Of course I’m sad. I couldn’t win today. But Caroline was better than me.

“For sure I will fight and I have many years to go. Hopefully I will face another challenge like today.”