The world’s top two players will clash in the Australian Open women’s final after Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki set up a mouth-watering climax to the season’s first grand slam at Melbourne Park.

Wozniacki exorcised the demons of her harrowing 2011 semi-final loss to Li Na with a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) triumph over Elise Mertens on Thursday before the top-seeded Halep staved off two match points to deny Angelique Kerber 6-3 4-6 9-7 in one of the most gripping last-four showdowns seen in years.

Halep and Wozniacki will both be chasing an elusive first grand slam triumph on Saturday night – as well as duelling for the world’s top ranking.