Putting aside the disappointment of defeat in all three of her previous appearances in Grand Slam finals, including two on this court, the 26-year-old Romanian Simona Halep claimed her first Grand Slam title today after beating Sloane Stephens 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the French Open final.

Twelve months after losing in the final to Jelena Ostapenko after leading by a set and 3-love, Halep turned the tables by coming back from a set and 2-love down to claim the prize.

“Last year it was tough to talk because I lost this match, but now it’s really emotional to talk as the winner,” Halep said at the presentation ceremony. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was 14. Thank you guys for supporting me. It was an amazing atmosphere.

Like Caroline Wozniacki, who beat her in the Australian Open final in January, Halep will no longer have to answer questions about whether she deserves to be world No 1 when her portfolio does not include a Grand Slam title.

Halep, who would have stayed at the top of the rankings even if she had lost the final, has had to play 32 Grand Slam tournaments to break her duck. Only seven women, including Wozniacki, have needed more attempts to make their breakthrough.