Halep victory at French Open welcomed by tennis world

Simona Halep’s first Grand Slam title was greeted with warmth from throughout the tennis world after the Romanian finally ended her wait for a major title at the French Open.

The world No.1 beat American Sloane Stephens 3-6 6-4 6-1 at Roland Garros on Saturday, banishing memories of three previous Grand Slam final defeats.

REPORT: Halep fights back to beat Stephens 

Halep had lost from a set and a break up against Jelena Ostapenko in last year’s final; 12 months on she recovered a similar deficit against US Open champion Stephens.

“I had last year and this year in my mind all match,” said Halep.

???? @rolandgarros champion @Simona_Halep has a message for all of her fans! pic.twitter.com/XndlPVRKj1

— WTA (@WTA) June 9, 2018

“I said, ‘It’s not going to happen again, but it’s OK. I have just to play.’ And then when I started to win games, I said that last year happened to me, same thing, I was set and a break up and I lost the match.

“So, I said there is a chance to come back and win it.”

Halep was urged on by vociferous Romanian support chanting “Simona! Simona!” as well as the wider public sympathetic to her quest for a major title.

She was also inspired by Virginia Ruzici, her manager and the only other Romanian woman to have won a Grand Slam singles titles.

Ruzici’s 1978 French Open win had been marked with an on-court ceremony on Tuesday.

“It’s a motivation and inspiration,” said Halep.

“Forty years ago she won here, it’s a special moment. The fact that it’s happened here again, it’s pretty special too. Virginia’s an inspiration.”

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was among many of Halep’s fellow players to pass on their congratulations via social media.

“You did it,” wrote the Czech. “So happy for you. Enjoy every second. You deserve this moment so much.”

Matina Navratilova, an 18-time major singles champion, posted: “Congratulations – patience brings roses as my grandmother used to say. And a lot of talent and work wins Roland Garros.”

As for Halep, her attention quickly turned towards trying to double her Grand Slam tally at Wimbledon next month.

“Well, nothing changes. I’m a Grand Slam champion, but tomorrow is a new day, so I have to start again,” she said.

“The grass is coming now. I just want to enjoy this moment.”

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

@Simona_Halep congratulations- patience brings roses as my grandmother used to say. And a lot of talent and work wins Roland Garros:)????????????

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) June 9, 2018

Congratulations to World No. 1 @Simona_Halep and to her coach, Darren Cahill. The first major title is always the sweetest. Hard work pays off! #champion #RolandGarros2018 https://t.co/S8D1g3iHnu

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 9, 2018

Big congratulations!!! @darren_cahill @Simona_Halep https://t.co/urWWKyBuxE

— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) June 9, 2018