Halep hoping it's third time lucky

That sweltering Australian summer evening in January, the Dane posted a gruelling 7-6(2) 3-6 6-4 triumph over world No.1 Simona Halep.

The match was so mentally and physically taxing that Halep was hospitalised with severe dehydration, such was the endeavour that resulted in a third crushing Grand Slam final defeat for the robust Romanian.

Paris has been a special location for the 26-year-old. A decade ago, she lifted the Roland-Garros girls’ singles title, in 2010 she made her Grand Slam debut here as a qualifier.

Fast forward to 2014, and Halep narrowly missed out on a maiden major, falling to Maria Sharapova 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4 in the silverware showdown. But last summer was the most painful Grand Slam final for this year's top seed.

Facing the unseeded and unrelenting Jelena Ostapenko, Halep surrendered a set and 3-0 advantage to collect another finalist's plate.

If it still hurts, it doesn’t show.

Ever since a cagey first set relinquished in the opening round facing Alison Riske, Halep stormed through the draw in Paris this year. In the semi-final the top seed only allowed 2016 champion Garbine Muguruza to post five games on the scoreboard.

“Every day I play better and that makes me happy,” Halep told reporters, relishing her Parisian run. “I think is the same pleasure, the same happiness that I am in this position again. It's a very special moment. And to be able to play two finals in a row at this tournament means a lot for me. It's my favourite Grand Slam. I feel like home here. It's nice to face another big challenge.”

One player can halt the Halep Grand Slam quest. Sloane Stephens stormed to the US Open in September, she’s been there, she’s done it. 

The world No.10 struck just 11 unforced errors to dispatch compatriot Madison Keys in the semi-finals and continues to strike supreme consistency with consummate ease and tranquillity in Paris.

Halep possesses a 5-2 record against the 25-year-old and prevailed in their past four meetings. However, they last duelled in the Cincinnati semi-finals in August 2017 and Stephens has catapulted to a whole new sphere in that time.

“It was really amazing what she did last year without playing 11 months. After a few tournaments she won a Grand Slam. I know she's a great player, she's powerful. It will be a similar match to the semi-finals, so I'm ready for it.

“I will focus on myself, like I did every match here. And I will try just to be calm during the match and try everything I can,” stated Halep. “It's a nice opportunity, a big challenge, so I have just to feel happy after the match that I gave everything.”

Stephens or Sharapova, Ostapenko or Wozniacki, it is irrelevant for Halep, whose sole focus is her own perspective.

“I have more experience now. I feel calm. I will stay chill. I will relax,” continued the 26-year-old, eager to avoid talking of pressure and past results. “Then we will see what is going to happen Saturday, but for sure I will fight for every ball.”

The line of questioning over a breakthrough Grand Slam title has persisted in Paris and the three-time major finalist continues to take the subject with good humour. 

“I lost three times until now and no one died, so it will be ok,” she quipped. “I will be more confident, because I have a lot of experience. But in tennis, you never know, so I will stay chill.”

That ‘chill’ word keeps popping up, the Romanian is adamant to block out expectations, the hype, and rankings. Simply put – “I don’t feel pressure.”

“Okay, let's make a deal,” continued Halep with a smirk in press, acknowledging her status as a player many want to succeed following her trio of tough losses. “I will play for the fans from all over the world, because I know that many are hoping me to finally win this Grand Slam. I will put everything I have Saturday on the court. I will think that I will make many people happy. So maybe I will have enough power to win it.”

Should Halep replicate her ruthless rise through the ranks this fortnight, it could well be third time lucky in Paris.