Sharapova battles to victory against Halep to clinch second French Open title

Russian tennis ace Maria Sharapova battled through 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4 in three hours and two minutes to beat Romanian Simona Halep in a dramatic final to clinch her second French Open title.

Sharapova has now reportedly bagged five Grand Slam titles, taking her to joint-11th on the all-time list alongside Martina Hingis.

According to the BBC, Sharapova, who clinched her victory for the fourth time in a row in a final set, said that this was the toughest Grand Slam final she has ever played and all respect to Halep for playing an unbelievable match today.

Sharapova, who became the first Russian to win the Grand Slam title twice, was pushed to the final set by Halep and it was for the first time since 2001 that the French Open women's final required a final set, which resulted in the Court Philippe Chatrier erupting as the Russian-Romanian aces played on into a third hour.

Sharapova said that it is such an emotional victory for her in her career, adding that she has been in many Grand Slam finals, and everyone feels very different.

Meanwhile, Halep said that it was really tough before the match to manage the emotions, adding that it was a big match for her, the first final of a Grand Slam.