Simona Halep wins epic semi-final against Angelique Kerber after losing and saving match points

THERE were match points lost and saved in an extraordinary contest full of twists and turns as Simona Halep survived another marathon to defeat Angelique Kerber and seal her spot in the Australian Open final.

Simona Halep pounds a forehand against Angelique Kerber. Picture: Michael Klein

IT was one of the most amazing points you’d see in your life.

World No.1 Simona Halep and 26th seed and 2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber had traded blows for one hour and 48 minutes — two counterpunchers showing the absolute peak of their game.

At a set apiece and 5-3 in the third set, Halep served for the match and a spot in the final.

Not on Angie’s watch.

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With break point in hand, an epic rally of 26 shots ensued — a side-to-side baseline battle worthy of being shown in tennis lessons for the next decade.

There was no giving in, Kerber landing the final blow with a punishing crosscourt backhand to stay in the match. Cue standing ovation, and deservedly so.

It was a taste of what was to come.

A relieved Simona Halep after her win over Angelique Kerber. Picture: AP

And with 50 winners, no less, “and eight aces — if you can imagine”, she exclaimed.

“The confidence is very high,” Halep said.

“I’m happy. In this moment nothing matters, just the fact that I won this match and I can play the final again.

“I feel proud that I could stay there and fight till the end.”

She was “too negative” before — the calming influence of Australian coach Darren Cahill has helped that.

This one was special for those watching in-house and abroad, but hadn’t started that way.

After just 13 minutes, Halep won 20 of the first 25 points to lead 5-0 before her German counterpart found her game.

Cue the gut-running, lung-busting, hard-stretching further two hours that followed.

It wasn’t Halep’s first marathon of the tournament, having dismissed Lauren Davis 4-6 6-4 15-13 in the third round last Saturday.

Angelique Kerber also had her chances to win in an enthralling contest against Simona Halep. Picture: Michael Klein

An ankle ligament complaint has given her trouble for the entire fortnight, but there was no time for that against Kerber — a player known to work her opponents over.

“(In the 26-shot rally) I was not thinking about my ankle,” she smiled.

“About breathing, for sure. Now the right foot is a little bit worse, because I push everything on it.

“I just want to give again everything Saturday, and after that I will have a good holiday.”

Kerber — who draws belief again following her stellar start to 2018 — knew there was nothing more she could have done.

“I was fighting until the last point,” she said.

“Of course I’m a little bit sad, but at the end I will go with a good feeling back home.”

The gritty performance in the face of injury and a dogged opponent just showed that Halep might well be ready to win her first elusive grand slam, after twice falling short at the French Open.

She’s more experienced, and stronger mentally.

World No.2 Caroline Wozniacki awaits in the final, with both players fighting for their first grand slam and the ultimate ranking.

As if she hasn’t shown enough already, Halep said courage will be her focus.

“It’s going to be a big challenge … I said to myself when I made the French Open Final that if I will be in the same situation I will give my best and be more courageous.

“I want to give my best to believe that I have the chance to win and not to think about the title. If it’s going to come, it’s going to come.”