Halep's win in stats

Simona Halep saw off Angelique Kerber 6-3 4-6 9-7 on Thursday reach the Australian Open final.

Simona Halep celebrates reaching the Australian Open final

World number one Simona Halep overpowered 2016 champion Angelique Kerber in a titanic battle to book her spot in the final of the Australian Open.

In a gripping contest, Halep needed a fourth match point to see off Kerber 6-3 4-6 9-7, having saved two of her own in an absorbing encounter on Thursday.