After claiming her maiden grand slam title at the French Open, Simona Halep paid tribute to one of her rivals on the tour during here press conference.
The 26-year-old defeated Sloane Stephens to become only the second Romanian woman to win a grand slam title and the first since 1978. It was fourth time lucky for Halep, who has lost her three previous grand slam finals in three sets. Against Stephens, she was a set and a break down before fighting back to seal the win.
“It’s a special moment. I have been dreaming about this moment since actually I started to play tennis.” Said Halep.
“It’s (the French Open) my favourite Grand Slam. I always said that if I’m going to win one, I want it to be here.”
Shortly after her win, the newly crowned Roland Garros champion praised rival Petra Kvitova. A player who has won two grand slam titles herself. Halep revealed that the Czech has previously sent her messages of encouragement following her narrow losses in the past. Last year at the French Open, she crashed out to Jelena Ostapenko. Then at the Australian Open, Caroline Wozniacki clinched the title by winning the deciding set 6-4 against her.
“I want to say thank you to Petra Kvitova, she wrote me a message. And also Irina Begu. I read and I replied. They are very nice to me.” Halep told reporters in Paris.
“Petra sent me a few messages after I lost here last year and Melbourne in the final. She said, ‘It’s gonna come. I just have to keep working.’
“It’s nice to see the players are happy about my victory and about this trophy.”
Tennis is known as an individual and sometimes lonely sport. Although Halep’s popularity was highlighted today after a series of players took to social media to congratulate her on the French Open title. Including Daria Kasatkina, Sabine Lisicki and Johanna Konta.
“We (the tour) are like a family here, and it’s nice to see that we are happy for each other. It’s like positive things all over.” She said.
Simonaaaaa! You did it. So happy for you. Enjoy every second. You deserve this moment so much 🎉❤️ #RG18
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) June 9, 2018
The latest milestone achieved by the world No.1 is set to trigger a new frenzy in her home country. Halep is already a massive celebrity in Romania. Earlier this year, she was made an honorary citizen of Bucharest. The capital city of the country. Last year she was also named the ‘most successful woman in Romania’ by Capital.ro.
Speaking about her home country, Halep hopes that her win in Paris will help inspire a new generation of Romanian players. Prior to her, Virginia Ruzici was the only other woman player from the country to win a grand slam title.
“The fact that I was able to win will maybe give inspiration to Romanians, the kids, that it’s possible, even if you come from a little country, it’s possible if you work and if you believe.” She said.
Halep exits the French Open with 2.2 million euros in prize money.
