World Number One Simona Halep has secured the first grand slam title of her career at the French Open by defeating American Sloane Stephens at Roland Garros.
In a match of momentum swings, Halep prevailed 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to take a major at her fourth attempt.
Stephens dominated the early proceedings and led by a set and break. Ironically, this was the same situation as Halep had been in against Jelena Ostapenko during the 2017 final before losing the match. The irony was not lost on Halep.
Halep said. “So I said there is a chance to come back and win it. So I believed in that and my game was more relaxed. I could make more things on court, and that’s why I could win.”
“All the experience from those three finals that I lost … was a positive thing and gave me a little bit more power to believe,”
As Halep continued to extend the rallies, Stephens began to tire. Her unforced error count increased and her serve became less potent.
Halep wrapped up the second set and then leaped out to a 5-0 lead in the third set before Stephens finally got on the scoreboard. The Romanian then served out the match to secure her first major title.
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Photo by TennisStreaming 