Simona Halep secured the biggest title of her career as she battled back from the brink to beat Jelena Jankovic to the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells last night.

The Romanian looked down and out on more than one occasion as she struggled with a foot problem and Jankovic gave her an almighty let-off when she passed up the chance to serve for a second Indian Wells title.

But in the end the battling qualities of Halep, coupled with the instability of Jankovic who virtually went to pieces as the match went on, got the third seed over the line 2-6 7-5 6-4.

“I want to congratulate Jelena you were amazing,” a gracious Halep said afterwards. “At my age you won this tournament, so well done for a great week, a great job and an amazing final.

“I am really happy I could win today. This tournament has been amazing, I thank all the Romanian people who come to support me everywhere. You make me want to fight until the end. I am really excited to win this, my biggest title, I will never forget it.”

In the final set, Hapel broke for what felt the countless time to go 5-3 up but in keeping with the match she coughed up her serve with a wild backhand before taking the title, fittingly, with a break as she came in short on a forehand and made no mistake.