No. 2 was too tough for No. 1.

World No. 1 Simona Halep was six points from her maiden major leading 4-3 in the final set of the Australian Open final.

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World No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki refused to let her get closer.

Wozniacki won three games in a row to close a stirring 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4 victory to capture her first Grand Slam title and surpass Halep to regain the top spot.

“[It's] not easy to talk now," Halep told the appreciative crowd in Rod Laver Arena. "I want to congratulate Caroline, she played amazing all the tournament. It's unbelievable what you have done. Congrats and good luck in the future."

Halep showed tremendous tenacity and guts saving two match points to edge 2016 champion Angelique Kerber in an epic semifinal thriller that came three rounds after she staved off triple match point subduing Lauren Davis, 4-6, 6-4,15-13 in a three hour, 45-minute classic. But came up short suffering her third Grand Slam final loss.

The two-time French Open finalist said this loss will sting, but vowed she will fight back.

"It’s been a great tournament. I started not very well with an ankle injury," Halep said. "I just wanted to give my best every match, which I did. Of course, I’m sad I did not win today, but Caroline was better then me. For sure I will fight and I have many years to go and hopefully I will face another challenge like today."

Photo credit: Mark Peterson