Simona Halep Honoured With The Highest Distinction of Romanian State

After, her second Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon 2019, Simona Halep continues to collect her series of accolades from home-country. Recently, the General Council of the Romanian capital, Bucharest has decided to bestow Simona’s name to a boulevard in their downtown.

And now, her classic performance at Wimbledon has earned her the highest distinction of the Romanian state, Steaua Romaniei (Romanian Star) at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace. Her family and former World Number one from Romania, Ilie Nastase were present in the ceremony which took place yesterday. To Halep, that moment of pride in Bucharest was more special than her Wimbledon victory. 

“It is a great honor for me, recognition and appreciation of my work. I hope to inspire all the children through these results, to awake their desire and pleasure to play tennis and develop themselves as persons. I am having a quite emotional moment now, it’s harder than the Wimbledon final,” said Simona Halep.

After her win in SW19, she acknowledged her country not having any grass courts and Halep learned to play grass-court tennis at Wimbledon. She is the first Romanian to achieve the title at ‘Mecca of Tennis’ and play in the presence of the Royal Family. 

“I want to thank the people around me for having built this house, as I call my career. Each brick was very important and this is why I reached the highest level of tennis. I thank the Romanians everywhere for their unconditional support regardless of the country where I play, also for the positive energy I receive when I return home,” Halep added.

Her country commemorated Simona’s victory with by issuing a postage stamp named “Simona Halep, Romanian Tennis Ambassador” and she was honored with Patriarchal Cross after Wimbledon triumph.

“I’m proud to be a Romanian and I hope to go everywhere with head held up high and win as many trophies as possible to be an inspiration for all the kids, hoping they all get opportunities and the best possible conditions for us to have as many champions as possible in the future,” Simona Halep said.

World Number four, Halep has confirmed her appearance at Wuhan Open later this season. Before that, she will be seen at the Premier 5 WTA events in North America, namely, Rogers Cup and Cincinnati Open and then followed by her participation in the last Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows.