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Simona Halep welcomed by fans and officials în Bucharest
About 20,000 people have turned out to applaud Simona Halep for becoming the first Romanian tennis player in decades to win a Grand Slam singles title. The fans gathered on a hot Monday evening in Bucharest's giant National Arena to see Halep show off her French Open trophy.
"I am so glad to see so many people here for me, to enjoy this trophy together. It is a special trophy, it's not a particularly large one, but it means a lot. Many people were there with me on this hard journey, but one tends to forget how hard it is when you are having such success. I would like to thank those that laid a brick for this performance, ever since I first started playing tennis, family, friends and all my fans, of course. There was a special atmosphere during the final and not only. Wherever I go in the world I have many Romanian fans who support me. I think I am the athlete with the most fans at all the games. Being home is always good, I am happy that I managed to achieve this result," she said, holding the Roland Garros trophy, a miniature replica of the one held above her head during Saturday's final.
"I want us to enjoy this trophy together. Thank you for this special greeting," Simona Halep added.
But when Bucharest mayor Gabriela Firea offered Halep the key of the city, the important PSD member ( social-democra t- ruling party) was booed by the crowd and left the ceremony immediately after the moment. She blamed “Soros’s propaganda machine” for compromising the event by infiltrating teams of “venomous citizens”, well organized and strategically placed among decent people.
The No. 1-ranked Halep beat Sloane Stephens 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the final in Paris on Saturday. It was her first major singles title after losing three previous finals, including in January at the Australian Open.
Halep is the first Romanian to win a Grand Slam title since her manager, Virginia Ruzici, won the French Open 40 years ago, and the third overall