Champ Wozniacki is new World No 1

Melbourne: An emotional Caroline Wozniacki finally lifted her first Grand Slam title at the 43rd attempt as she beat Simona Halep in three energy-sapping sets to win the Australian Open on Saturday.

The Dane, who will become the new World No 1, burst into tears as she secured the championship 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4 against the battling Romanian top seed on her first match point of a gruelling, epic encounter.

"I've dreamt of this moment for so many years," said second-seeded Wozniacki after becoming the first player from Denmark to win a Grand Slam. I want to congratulate Simona, I know it's a tough day," she added after receiving the trophy from Billie Jean King.

"I'm sorry that I had to win today but I'm sure we'll have many matches in the future and it was an incredible match and an incredible fight and again, I'm sorry." Wozniacki, 27, had to overcome bouts of nerves throughout the long match. She wobbled when serving for the first set at 5-3 and had to come through a tiebreak.