History favours Wozniacki, who has won four of their six meetings, including the last three, but world No 1 ranking is on the line
Saturday 27 January 2018 08:38, UK
Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki will be aiming to land their maiden Grand Slam title when they go for glory in the women's final at the Australian Open on Saturday (8.30am GMT).
Each finalist has endured a rocky road to this weekend's final, which will be the first time since 1980 the Australian Open has chalked up a new Grand Slam champion.
Halep and Wozniacki are the top two seeds, respectively, but both have been forced to save match points en route to the final. Only six women have previously become the Australian Open champion having previously survived a match point against them.
Halep, if she wins, would become the first champion to have saved match points in two prior matches.
"It's been a great two weeks so far," said Denmark's Wozniacki. "I'm really happy and proud of how I've managed to turn things around when things weren't going my way and keep it up whenever it was going my way.
"I'm just excited. It's another finals. Regardless of what happens now, I've done my best.
"Obviously Halep, just like me, was down match points early on in the tournament, has come back and fought her way.
"It's exciting because we're both playing for the number one ranking. Whoever wins on Saturday will be on the top of the rankings, which I think is a cool storyline."
Both players have been ranked No 1 without winning a Grand Slam, both lost their first two finals at this level and, in the second half of their careers, both know they may never get a better chance.
Halep, who defeated title favourite Angelique Kerber with the third set a battle of lung-busting brilliance, added: "I feel proud that I could stay there and fight till the end.
"I'm really happy and proud of how I've managed to turn things around when things weren't going my way and keep it up whenever it was going my way.
"I'm just excited. It's another finals. It's another great two weeks. Regardless of what happens now, I've done my best. When you go out there on Saturday, you have everything to win."
Wozniacki has won four out of six head-to-head meetings against Halep, but they have never played a Grand Slam match.
The new Australian Open champion will walk away with the highest ever prize fund, their first Grand Slam trophy and a guarantee to top the WTA rankings.
