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  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:51

    Trump hails 'great relationship' with UK's May

  • Berlin (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:45

    Germany calls for NATO talks after Turkey's Syria offensive

  • Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:32

    ECB sees 'few chances' for rate rises this year: Draghi

  • Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:25

    Draghi urges restraint in language after Mnuchin comments

  • London (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:16

    Euro above $1.25 for first time since December 2014

  • Bamako (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:07

    Landmine kills 13 civilians in Mali, say local officials

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    Exchange rate 'volatility' is 'source of uncertainty': Draghi

  • Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 13:48

    ECB holds key interest rates at historic lows: spokeswoman

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 13:41

    Kabul hotel attack killed at least 25: official

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    Spain plans to take Puigdemont's bid for Catalan presidency to court

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    Trump arrives in Switzerland to attend Davos forum

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    German business morale hits fresh record high in January: Ifo

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 09:38

    US 'not concerned' with short term dollar value: Mnuchin

  • Milan (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 08:53

    Two dead as train derails near Milan: Italian rescue services

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 08:37

    Kabul hotel attack killed 40 people: official

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 00:20

    Trump says could grant 'Dreamers' citizenship in 10-12 years

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 00:17

    Trump willing to be questioned 'under oath' in Russia probe

  • Sao Paulo (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 23:36

    Lula says will run for presidency despite court setback

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 22:51

    Four US citizens were killed in Kabul hotel attack

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    Dow pushes to fresh record as Nasdaq retreats

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    Trump urges Erdogan to 'de-escalate' Syria fighting

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    Brazil court increases Lula sentence to 12 years

  • Porto Alegre (Brazil) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 20:16

    Brazil's Lula loses appeal against corruption conviction

  • Yangon (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 19:39

    US diplomat resigns from Suu Kyi panel on Rakhine crisis

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 19:32

    Macedonia to rename airport in step to end name row with Greece

  • New York (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:55

    Elton John announces 'last' tour

  • Lansing (United States) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:52

    Disgraced doctor Nassar sentenced to 40 to 175 years in jail

  • Kinshasa (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:20

    UN hits out at surge in extra-judicial 'executions' in DR Congo

  • Lansing (United States) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:20

    Nassar sorry for 'emotional destruction' of abuse victims

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:11

    Macron tells Davos elite: 'France is back'

  • Cairo (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:01

    Rights lawyer latest to withdraw from Egypt presidential race

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    One dead in Turkey by rockets from Syria: governor

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 17:18

    US sanctions N. Korean, Chinese firms aiding Pyongyang

  • Vienna (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 16:32

    UN Syria envoy says Vienna talks at 'very critical moment'

  • Paris (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 16:26

    Syria talks in Vienna 'last hope' for political solution: French minister

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 15:32

    Merkel warns 'protectionism not the answer' to world problems

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 14:58

    Zimbabwe elections expected before July: president

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 13:07

    Save the Children suspends Afghan operations after attack on office Save the Children suspends Afghan operations after attack on office

  • New York (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 12:46

    GE reports 4Q loss of $9.8 bn on insurance, tax charges

  • Brussels (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 12:44

    EU voices 'concern' at Romania's controversial judicial reforms

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 12:22

    IS claims attack on Save the Children in Afghanistan

  • Porto Alegre (Brazil) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 12:07

    Brazil court starts session crucial for Lula re-election hopes

  • Brussels (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 11:43

    EU hits Qualcomm with 1-bn euro fine for Apple deal

  • Madrid (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 11:20

    Madrid blocks Brussels meeting between Puigdemont, Catalan speaker: diplomatic source

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 10:22

    US wants to work with rest of world at Davos: Mnuchin

  • Jalalabad (Afghanistan) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 09:16

    Attack on Save the Children office in Afghanistan over: official

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 06:13

    Blast outside Save the Children in eastern Afghanistan: official

  • Beijing (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 05:54

    EU enovy urges China to release Swedish book publisher

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 23:49

    US Senate confirms Jerome Powell as next Fed chairman

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 23:48

    Trump has invited Macron to the White House: US official

  • Benghazi (Libya) (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 23:22

    At least 22 killed in Benghazi double bomb attack: medical source

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    Trump to meet May, Netanyahu, Kagame in Davos: White House

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    S&P 500, Nasdaq end at records as technology shares gain

  • Caracas (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 20:56

    Venezuela's Maduro says ready to run for second term

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    Trump to tell Erdogan of concern over Syria offensive: official

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    Trump says NAFTA talks are 'moving along pretty well'

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    Macron voices 'concern' over Turkey's Syria offensive

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    Venezuela government calls for presidential vote by end April

  • Paris (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 17:13

    Russia 'bears responsibility' for Syria chemical attacks: Tillerson

  • Stockholm (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 16:59

    Sweden urges China to release bookseller Gui Minhai

  • Tokyo (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 16:23

    11 Asia-Pacific nations agree to move toward trade deal without US: Japan

  • Los Angeles (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 15:02

    'The Shape of Water' leads Oscar nominations with 13

  • Los Angeles (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 14:50

    Oscar best picture nominees

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    Oscar best director nominees

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    Oscar best actress nominees

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    Oscar best actor nominees

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    Oscar best foreign film nominees

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    Oscar best supporting actor nominees

  • Los Angeles (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 14:40

    Oscar best supporting actress nominees

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 14:40

    US fatalities in Kabul hotel attack

  • Los Angeles (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 14:26

    Nominations get underway for 90th Academy Awards

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 13:56

    Tsunami warnings canceled along US, Canada coast

  • Cairo (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 12:57

    Egypt military accuses presidential hopeful of crimes including forgery

  • Beirut (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 12:52

    Syria Kurds urge civilians to take up arms against Turk assault

  • Jakarta (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 11:39

    Mattis calls for Turkish 'restraint' in Syria

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 11:07

    8.2 magnitude quake hits off Alaska: USGS

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    EU removes eight countries from tax haven list: source

  • Johannesburg (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 09:18

    South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela dies: family

  • London (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 08:34

    UK regulator says Fox's Sky takeover 'not in public interest'

  • Jakarta (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 07:57

    Strong quake rocks Jakarta, 6.4 magnitude: government

  • Tokyo (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 07:15

    Soldier dead after Japan volcano eruption: defence ministry

  • Vienna (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 05:54

    Niki Lauda selected to buy assets of Niki airline: administrators

  • Seoul (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 03:18

    S. Korea court jails ex-culture minister over artist blacklist

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 00:20

    Congress votes to end US shutdown, sends bill to Trump

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/22/2018 - 23:10

    Senate votes to end US shutdown, bill heads to House

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/22/2018 - 22:10

    Dow, S&P, Nasdaq finish at records as US goverment shutdown ends

  • Ankara (AFP) - 01/22/2018 - 21:19

    Turkish soldier killed in Syria operation: army

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/22/2018 - 20:37

    Trump to travel to Davos as shutdown deal reached: W.House

  • Brussels (AFP) - 01/22/2018 - 19:57

    Eurozone approves 6.7-bln-euro bailout tranche for Greece

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/22/2018 - 18:28

    Democrats to vote to reopen US government: Schumer

  • Beirut (AFP) - 01/22/2018 - 17:22

    Afrin clashes kill 54 Syrian Kurd and pro-Turkey fighters: monitor

  • Brussels (AFP) - 01/22/2018 - 16:45

    EU's Mogherini 'extremely worried' by Turkish offensive in Syria

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  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:51

    Trump hails 'great relationship' with UK's May

  • Berlin (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:45

    Germany calls for NATO talks after Turkey's Syria offensive

  • Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:32

    ECB sees 'few chances' for rate rises this year: Draghi

  • Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:25

    Draghi urges restraint in language after Mnuchin comments

  • London (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:16

    Euro above $1.25 for first time since December 2014

  • Bamako (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 15:07

    Landmine kills 13 civilians in Mali, say local officials

  • Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 14:43

    Exchange rate 'volatility' is 'source of uncertainty': Draghi

  • Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 13:48

    ECB holds key interest rates at historic lows: spokeswoman

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 13:41

    Kabul hotel attack killed at least 25: official

  • Madrid (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 13:07

    Spain plans to take Puigdemont's bid for Catalan presidency to court

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 10:56

    Trump arrives in Switzerland to attend Davos forum

  • Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 10:07

    German business morale hits fresh record high in January: Ifo

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 09:38

    US 'not concerned' with short term dollar value: Mnuchin

  • Milan (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 08:53

    Two dead as train derails near Milan: Italian rescue services

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 08:37

    Kabul hotel attack killed 40 people: official

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 00:20

    Trump says could grant 'Dreamers' citizenship in 10-12 years

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/25/2018 - 00:17

    Trump willing to be questioned 'under oath' in Russia probe

  • Sao Paulo (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 23:36

    Lula says will run for presidency despite court setback

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 22:51

    Four US citizens were killed in Kabul hotel attack

  • New York (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 22:10

    Dow pushes to fresh record as Nasdaq retreats

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 21:02

    Trump urges Erdogan to 'de-escalate' Syria fighting

  • Porto Alegre (Brazil) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 21:00

    Brazil court increases Lula sentence to 12 years

  • Porto Alegre (Brazil) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 20:16

    Brazil's Lula loses appeal against corruption conviction

  • Yangon (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 19:39

    US diplomat resigns from Suu Kyi panel on Rakhine crisis

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 19:32

    Macedonia to rename airport in step to end name row with Greece

  • New York (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:55

    Elton John announces 'last' tour

  • Lansing (United States) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:52

    Disgraced doctor Nassar sentenced to 40 to 175 years in jail

  • Kinshasa (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:20

    UN hits out at surge in extra-judicial 'executions' in DR Congo

  • Lansing (United States) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:20

    Nassar sorry for 'emotional destruction' of abuse victims

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:11

    Macron tells Davos elite: 'France is back'

  • Cairo (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 18:01

    Rights lawyer latest to withdraw from Egypt presidential race

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    One dead in Turkey by rockets from Syria: governor

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 17:18

    US sanctions N. Korean, Chinese firms aiding Pyongyang

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    UN Syria envoy says Vienna talks at 'very critical moment'

  • Paris (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 16:26

    Syria talks in Vienna 'last hope' for political solution: French minister

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 15:32

    Merkel warns 'protectionism not the answer' to world problems

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 14:58

    Zimbabwe elections expected before July: president

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 13:07

    Save the Children suspends Afghan operations after attack on office Save the Children suspends Afghan operations after attack on office

  • New York (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 12:46

    GE reports 4Q loss of $9.8 bn on insurance, tax charges

  • Brussels (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 12:44

    EU voices 'concern' at Romania's controversial judicial reforms

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 12:22

    IS claims attack on Save the Children in Afghanistan

  • Porto Alegre (Brazil) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 12:07

    Brazil court starts session crucial for Lula re-election hopes

  • Brussels (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 11:43

    EU hits Qualcomm with 1-bn euro fine for Apple deal

  • Madrid (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 11:20

    Madrid blocks Brussels meeting between Puigdemont, Catalan speaker: diplomatic source

  • Davos (Switzerland) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 10:22

    US wants to work with rest of world at Davos: Mnuchin

  • Jalalabad (Afghanistan) (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 09:16

    Attack on Save the Children office in Afghanistan over: official

  • Kabul (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 06:13

    Blast outside Save the Children in eastern Afghanistan: official

  • Beijing (AFP) - 01/24/2018 - 05:54

    EU enovy urges China to release Swedish book publisher

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 23:49

    US Senate confirms Jerome Powell as next Fed chairman

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 23:48

    Trump has invited Macron to the White House: US official

  • Benghazi (Libya) (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 23:22

    At least 22 killed in Benghazi double bomb attack: medical source

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 22:31

    Trump to meet May, Netanyahu, Kagame in Davos: White House

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    S&P 500, Nasdaq end at records as technology shares gain

  • Caracas (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 20:56

    Venezuela's Maduro says ready to run for second term

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    Trump to tell Erdogan of concern over Syria offensive: official

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    Trump says NAFTA talks are 'moving along pretty well'

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    Macron voices 'concern' over Turkey's Syria offensive

  • Caracas (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 18:53

    Venezuela government calls for presidential vote by end April

  • Paris (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 17:13

    Russia 'bears responsibility' for Syria chemical attacks: Tillerson

  • Stockholm (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 16:59

    Sweden urges China to release bookseller Gui Minhai

  • Tokyo (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 16:23

    11 Asia-Pacific nations agree to move toward trade deal without US: Japan

  • Los Angeles (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 15:02

    'The Shape of Water' leads Oscar nominations with 13

  • Los Angeles (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 14:50

    Oscar best picture nominees

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    Oscar best director nominees

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    Oscar best actress nominees

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    Oscar best actor nominees

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    Oscar best foreign film nominees

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    Oscar best supporting actor nominees

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    Oscar best supporting actress nominees

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    US fatalities in Kabul hotel attack

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    Nominations get underway for 90th Academy Awards

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    Syria Kurds urge civilians to take up arms against Turk assault

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    Mattis calls for Turkish 'restraint' in Syria

  • Washington (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 11:07

    8.2 magnitude quake hits off Alaska: USGS

  • Brussels (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 10:24

    EU removes eight countries from tax haven list: source

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    South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela dies: family

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    UK regulator says Fox's Sky takeover 'not in public interest'

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    Strong quake rocks Jakarta, 6.4 magnitude: government

  • Tokyo (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 07:15

    Soldier dead after Japan volcano eruption: defence ministry

  • Vienna (AFP) - 01/23/2018 - 05:54

    Niki Lauda selected to buy assets of Niki airline: administrators

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    S. Korea court jails ex-culture minister over artist blacklist

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News

Halep and Wozniacki in winner-takes-all final

AFP / Paul Crock Romania's Simona Halep celebrates beating Germany's Angelique Kerber in their Australian Open semi-final match, in Melbourne, on January 25, 2018

Simona Halep came through a three-set thriller against Angelique Kerber Thursday to set up a winner-takes-all Australian Open final against Caroline Wozniacki, where the number one ranking will be on the line.

The Romanian top seed battled past former champion Kerber 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 and now faces an enticing showdown against the number two seed, with both chasing a maiden Grand Slam title.

Wozniacki beat unseeded Belgian Elise Mertens 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) after a late wobble when she was broken serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set.

"Halep, just like me, was down match points early on in the tournament," said Wozniacki. "I think it's exciting because we're both playing for the number one ranking."

Saturday's final, which could be played in forecast temperature of up to 35 Celsius (95 Farenheit), looks set to be a gruelling do-or-die clash between two players known for their tenacity and court coverage.

"I respect her a lot, and I know it’s going to be similar. I will have to run, so a very good rest after this match," said Halep.

"I want to give my best to believe that I have the chance to win and not to think about the title. If it's going to come, it's going to come."

In a see-sawing contest, Halep sprinted into a 6-3, 3-1 lead against Kerber before the 2016 Melbourne Park winner, seeded 21, fought back.

AFP / - Final line-up for the 2018 Australian Open women's singles

The Romanian finally prevailed in 2hr 20min with her fourth match point to ensure a new name will grace the trophy.

"Definitely was very tough. I'm shaking now. I'm really emotional right now because I won this match," said Halep, who saved two match points.

"I knew it was going to be tough. She is hitting from everywhere, I'm glad I could resist. Thank you everyone for supporting me, you helped me."

- Means so much -

Halep scampered to the first set in 25 minutes and, after dropping the second set against the run of play, squandered two match points in the third before saving two from Kerber as she served for the match at 6-5.

"I said if she come back I could do it. I had confidence in myself," said Halep.

"I tried to be calm today. It was a rollercoaster, up and down. If you don't give up you can win. I did it well. I am proud of myself."

In her match, Wozniacki almost let Mertens back in when serving for the win at 5-4, and seemingly in complete control.

Two double faults enabled the Belgian, in her first semi-final at this level on her Australian Open debut, to level at 5-5.

Serving to take it to a tiebreak at 5-6 Wozniacki then needed to save three set points before sealing the match in the tiebreak.

AFP / Paul Crock Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki hits a return against Belgium's Elise Mertens during their Australian Open semi-final match, in Melbourne, on January 25, 2018

"It means so much to me." said the Dane after reaching her maiden Australian Open final and her first Grand Slam decider since 2014.

"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."

The final will be only the 17th time in Australian Open history that the number one and two seeds have met for the title -- both first and second seeds have won eight times each.

The last time it happened was in 2015 when top seed Serena Williams beat second-seeded Maria Sharapova.

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Halep and Wozniacki in winner-takes-all final

AFP / Paul Crock Romania's Simona Halep celebrates beating Germany's Angelique Kerber in their Australian Open semi-final match, in Melbourne, on January 25, 2018

Simona Halep came through a three-set thriller against Angelique Kerber Thursday to set up a winner-takes-all Australian Open final against Caroline Wozniacki, where the number one ranking will be on the line.

The Romanian top seed battled past former champion Kerber 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 and now faces an enticing showdown against the number two seed, with both chasing a maiden Grand Slam title.

Wozniacki beat unseeded Belgian Elise Mertens 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) after a late wobble when she was broken serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set.

"Halep, just like me, was down match points early on in the tournament," said Wozniacki. "I think it's exciting because we're both playing for the number one ranking."

Saturday's final, which could be played in forecast temperature of up to 35 Celsius (95 Farenheit), looks set to be a gruelling do-or-die clash between two players known for their tenacity and court coverage.

"I respect her a lot, and I know it’s going to be similar. I will have to run, so a very good rest after this match," said Halep.

"I want to give my best to believe that I have the chance to win and not to think about the title. If it's going to come, it's going to come."

In a see-sawing contest, Halep sprinted into a 6-3, 3-1 lead against Kerber before the 2016 Melbourne Park winner, seeded 21, fought back.

AFP / - Final line-up for the 2018 Australian Open women's singles

The Romanian finally prevailed in 2hr 20min with her fourth match point to ensure a new name will grace the trophy.

"Definitely was very tough. I'm shaking now. I'm really emotional right now because I won this match," said Halep, who saved two match points.

"I knew it was going to be tough. She is hitting from everywhere, I'm glad I could resist. Thank you everyone for supporting me, you helped me."

- Means so much -

Halep scampered to the first set in 25 minutes and, after dropping the second set against the run of play, squandered two match points in the third before saving two from Kerber as she served for the match at 6-5.

"I said if she come back I could do it. I had confidence in myself," said Halep.

"I tried to be calm today. It was a rollercoaster, up and down. If you don't give up you can win. I did it well. I am proud of myself."

In her match, Wozniacki almost let Mertens back in when serving for the win at 5-4, and seemingly in complete control.

Two double faults enabled the Belgian, in her first semi-final at this level on her Australian Open debut, to level at 5-5.

Serving to take it to a tiebreak at 5-6 Wozniacki then needed to save three set points before sealing the match in the tiebreak.

AFP / Paul Crock Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki hits a return against Belgium's Elise Mertens during their Australian Open semi-final match, in Melbourne, on January 25, 2018

"It means so much to me." said the Dane after reaching her maiden Australian Open final and her first Grand Slam decider since 2014.

"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."

The final will be only the 17th time in Australian Open history that the number one and two seeds have met for the title -- both first and second seeds have won eight times each.

The last time it happened was in 2015 when top seed Serena Williams beat second-seeded Maria Sharapova.

AFP / Paul Crock Romania's Simona Halep celebrates beating Germany's Angelique Kerber in their Australian Open semi-final match, in Melbourne, on January 25, 2018

Simona Halep came through a three-set thriller against Angelique Kerber Thursday to set up a winner-takes-all Australian Open final against Caroline Wozniacki, where the number one ranking will be on the line.

The Romanian top seed battled past former champion Kerber 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 and now faces an enticing showdown against the number two seed, with both chasing a maiden Grand Slam title.

AFP / - Final line-up for the 2018 Australian Open women's singles

The Romanian finally prevailed in 2hr 20min with her fourth match point to ensure a new name will grace the trophy.

"Definitely was very tough. I'm shaking now. I'm really emotional right now because I won this match," said Halep, who saved two match points.

AFP / Paul Crock Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki hits a return against Belgium's Elise Mertens during their Australian Open semi-final match, in Melbourne, on January 25, 2018

"It means so much to me." said the Dane after reaching her maiden Australian Open final and her first Grand Slam decider since 2014.

"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."

25 Jan 2018 Halep and Wozniacki in winner-takes-all final | AFP.com

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Halep and Wozniacki in winner-takes-all final

AFP / Paul Crock Romania's Simona Halep celebrates beating Germany's Angelique Kerber in their Australian Open semi-final match, in Melbourne, on January 25, 2018

Simona Halep came through a three-set thriller against Angelique Kerber Thursday to set up a winner-takes-all Australian Open final against Caroline Wozniacki, where the number one ranking will be on the line.

The Romanian top seed battled past former champion Kerber 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 and now faces an enticing showdown against the number two seed, with both chasing a maiden Grand Slam title.

Wozniacki beat unseeded Belgian Elise Mertens 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) after a late wobble when she was broken serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set.

"Halep, just like me, was down match points early on in the tournament," said Wozniacki. "I think it's exciting because we're both playing for the number one ranking."

Saturday's final, which could be played in forecast temperature of up to 35 Celsius (95 Farenheit), looks set to be a gruelling do-or-die clash between two players known for their tenacity and court coverage.

"I respect her a lot, and I know it’s going to be similar. I will have to run, so a very good rest after this match," said Halep.

"I want to give my best to believe that I have the chance to win and not to think about the title. If it's going to come, it's going to come."

In a see-sawing contest, Halep sprinted into a 6-3, 3-1 lead against Kerber before the 2016 Melbourne Park winner, seeded 21, fought back.

AFP / - Final line-up for the 2018 Australian Open women's singles

The Romanian finally prevailed in 2hr 20min with her fourth match point to ensure a new name will grace the trophy.

"Definitely was very tough. I'm shaking now. I'm really emotional right now because I won this match," said Halep, who saved two match points.

"I knew it was going to be tough. She is hitting from everywhere, I'm glad I could resist. Thank you everyone for supporting me, you helped me."

- Means so much -

Halep scampered to the first set in 25 minutes and, after dropping the second set against the run of play, squandered two match points in the third before saving two from Kerber as she served for the match at 6-5.

"I said if she come back I could do it. I had confidence in myself," said Halep.

"I tried to be calm today. It was a rollercoaster, up and down. If you don't give up you can win. I did it well. I am proud of myself."

In her match, Wozniacki almost let Mertens back in when serving for the win at 5-4, and seemingly in complete control.

Two double faults enabled the Belgian, in her first semi-final at this level on her Australian Open debut, to level at 5-5.

Serving to take it to a tiebreak at 5-6 Wozniacki then needed to save three set points before sealing the match in the tiebreak.

AFP / Paul Crock Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki hits a return against Belgium's Elise Mertens during their Australian Open semi-final match, in Melbourne, on January 25, 2018

"It means so much to me." said the Dane after reaching her maiden Australian Open final and her first Grand Slam decider since 2014.

"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."

The final will be only the 17th time in Australian Open history that the number one and two seeds have met for the title -- both first and second seeds have won eight times each.

The last time it happened was in 2015 when top seed Serena Williams beat second-seeded Maria Sharapova.

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