Sharapova Outlasts Halep To Take French Open Crown

Maria Sharapova won her second career French Open title on Saturday, defeating Romania’s Simona Halep 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4.

From the beginning, it looked as if Sharapova was easily on her way to the title. She held on to win the first set 6-4 and jumped to an early 2-0 lead in the second set, just four games away from winning the tournament.

However, Halep would climb back into the match. She trailed 3-4 while Sharapova was serving and was able to break her both times with outstanding groundstroke work to force the set into a tiebreaker. The fourth-seeded Romanian then reeled off the next four games to force the set into a deciding third set.

It was the first time a women’s French Open final went to three sets since 2001, and set up a fantastic finish between the two opponents. After Sharapova went up 4-2 in the third, Halep once again climbed back into the match and brought the set to 4-4.

After Sharapova broke to put her up 5-4, the Russian did not lose a point in the tenth game and captured the French Open title in just over three hours.

“This was the toughest Grand Slam final I’ve ever played,” said Sharapova after the match. “All the respect to Simona. I thought she just played an unbelievable match today. I can’t believe it. I never thought seven or eight years ago that I’d win more Roland Garroses when I was 27 years old than any other Grand Slam. It’s a dream come true.”

It was the first Grand Slam final appearance for the 22-year old Halep, and she demonstrated why she is one of the up-and-coming talents on the women’s tour. While she was visibly and understandably upset over the tough loss, the Romanian handled herself gracefully after the match and showed appreciation.

“This is my first Grand Slam final speech, but I wish to have many more,” said Halep as she addressed the crowd. “First I’d like to say congratulations Maria. You’re a great champion and you played really well, and you really deserved the title. I wish you all of the best for the future. I’ve had two incredible weeks here. It was an amazing tournament for me. I played my best and I’m happy you guys all came every match to support me.”