The final opponent for Caroline Wozniacki (2) is the winner of the second semi final between the top seed and world number one Simona Halep, and Angie Kerber (21), the 2016 champion here.
Kerber served first and an off forehand Halep winner plus Kerber errors brought up two break points, the first converted and Halep 1-0.
A backhand winner from Kerber was insufficient to prevent Halep from rolling along to 2-0.
Two more break points on the German serve and Angie was broken on the first once more. 3-0 Halep and a poor start from Kerber.
A Romanian backhand winner and an ace helped Halep to 4-0 and the opening set was virtually over.
A lucky net cord went Halep’s way, plus a backhand return winner, and an off forehand winner. Three break points. One of them was used and Halep was serving for the set at 5-0.
Just 13 minutes for all of this carnage.
Double fault from Halep - two in fact. An error and three break points. A Kerber forehand did the trick. 1-5.
Three sizzling forehands from Kerber and a backhand from Halep highlighted the best game so far and still the top seed was in control 5-2. Serving a second time for the set.
Two Kerber backhands forced errors from Halep and three break points arrived. A thrilling backhand return broke Halep and the score was 3-5.
Three errors on the Kerber serve and a resultant three set points for Halep. Backhand winner saved one, but next one couldn’t do it and Halep led 6-3.
A couple of aces and Halep 1-0. Three forehand winners and Kerber levelled at 1-1.
Halep served well for 2-1.
0-30 after a forehand winner from Halep and a Kerber error. 30-30.
Halep’s forehand forced an error and break point. Saved.
Second break chance. Broken and Halep led 6-3 3-1.
Kerber smashed a backhand return for a winner, then hit another backhand stunner for 0-30 Halep. The top seed recovered to 40-30, including a winning backhand. Then a netted forehand and deuce.
Break point created and converted.
Kerber 2-3 and back on serve.
A big forehand winner gave Angie game point and she won it to be 3-3.
Strong serving and forehand assisted Simona to a love game and 4-3.
Close to the finish for the Romanian. Pressure on Angie.
Winning forehand and backhand from Halep and break point.
Saved by Kerber’s forehand winner. Break point again with a Halep winning forehand. Saved with another German forehand winner.
Angie won for 4-4.
An off forehand and backhand winner and 30-30 for Halep.
Forehand winner from Kerber and deuce.
Break point. Converted with a wayward Halep shot.
Kerber serving to takes this to a decider.
Two set points. One saved with a forehand winner. And the second. Deuce. Third set point. Kerber did it and levelled 3-6 6-4.
In the decider, Kerber broke Halep upon the Romanian error. 1-0.
Halep broke back after three break points were saved, sealing it with a backhand winner.
Halep consolidated and led 2-1, two forehand winners helpful.
Serve was held consistently and it was 4-3 to Halep.
Then three unforced errors were faced by Kerber. One was saved by a backhand winner, but a backhand error couldn’t survive the second.
Halep led 5-3 and served for the match.
Kerber broke back, three straight winners finishing off the game.
Two match points were saved by Kerber in the tenth game and three deuces were surfed on the way.
In game 11, Angie broke to lead 6-5 and served for the match.
Two match points saved - this time by Halep - and it was 6-6.
Two aces and a service hold. Simona 7-6.
Unforced errors from Halep, and Kerber levelled at 7-7.
Two winners from 30-30 took Halep to 8-7.
Match point to Halep. Saved.
Second match point of the game converted with an unforced Kerber error.
Halep won her second epic match of the tournament 6-3 4-6 9-7.
Simona Halep (1) or Caroline Wozniacki (2) will be the 2018 Aus Open champion and therefore take home a first Grand Slam tournament singles trophy.
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