The 2018 Roland Garros women’s singles final began with Sloane Stephens (10) serving and the first three games went with the server.
Halep (1) hit two forehand winners but the strong defence of Stephens forced the top seed into error and a break of serve. 3-1 USA.
Stephens consolidated the break and led 4-1.
Halep held serve in a game of errors. Stephens 4-2.
A missed American backhand and 15-30. However, a forced Romanian error, a big serve, and a forehand winner, ensured the game was won by Stephens and she led 5-2.
Halep at 30-30 forced an error and then hit a forehand winner for 3-5
Stephens served for the set.
Halep reached break point with a drop shot, but two quick cheap points for Stephens brought up set point. A Halep error and set to Stephens 6-3.
Set two saw Halep lead on serve 4-3. Stephens had two game points and used the second to level at 4-4.
Exchange of errors 15-15. Backhand winner down the line from Halep 30-15. Forehand driving shot from Stephens forced an error, but an off forehand winner gave Halep game point and she converted for 5-4.
15-30 with Stephens miss. A forehand long from Halep and a backhand long from Stephens and set point for the top seed. A wide US backhand and set to Halep.
A third set required.
Halep, serving first, netted two for 0-30. A Halep backhand down the line and two Stephens errors put the Romanian ahead 1-0.
A wild forehand from Stephens and 15-30. A forehand winner 30-30. A backhand pushed wide and break point for Halep. A netted forehand secured the break and the top seed led 2-0.
Stephens was appearing lack lustre now, errors flowing, while Halep was well focused.
Halep consolidated the break to lead 3-0, and her Grand Slam tournament dream was ever closer.
Stephens attacked and was successful with a backhand but not with a drop attempt. Her backhand pass was wonderful and 30-15. Forehand long and 30-30. Game point. A superb backhand from Halep and deuce. Another backhand forced the error luckily and break point.
Double break thanks to net play from the top seed. 4-0.
Backhand down the line yet again Halep 15-0. 30-0 after American mistake. Another and two game points. Big serve and 5-0.
Serving to stay in the match for at least a game longer, and to put a score on the board in the set, Stephens hit a backhand long 0-15.
0-30 with an error once more. A strong backhand was better 15-30. A service winner 30-30. Backhand success and game point.
Deuce after a clever forehand from Halep. Game point after a Stephens forehand.
Service held, and Halep to serve for the title at 5-1.
Serve to the body 15-0. Romanian miss 15-15. Ace 30-15. Backhand winner from Stephens 30-30. Overhead winner and championship point. Return into the net.
Simona Halep had finally captured a major. Without doubt, the best player without a Grand Slam title, now had come the time. Simona will sit more comfortably as world number one with a major to her name.
This year we have seen how appropriately, in the two Grand Slam tournaments, Caroline Wozniacki and Simona Halep have put their demons to rest and won their first majors.
Sloane Stephens has played a great tournament and should be proud of her achievement, even with the disappointment of losing the final.
Sitting at number four in the world, Sloane still has her 2017 US Open title and all the talent to play Grand Slam finals in the future
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