This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On Monday, Romania's highest honors were bestowed upon Wimbledon tennis champion Simona Halep, who returned home to a hero's welcome after her historic win over Serena Williams at the weekend.
Published on July 16, 2019, Halep, 27, made history by becoming the first Romanian to win a Wimbledon singles title, defeating seven-time champion Serena Williams 6-2 6-2 in the 56-minute match final on Saturday.
"I played my chance. I did the best I could and that's why I managed to win," Halep said, beaming with pride at Bucharest international airport, where fans cheered her on and shouted 'Bravo, Simona!'
She credited her success to her focus on tactics and her faith in God, saying, "I always make the sign of the cross and believe in God because nothing can be done without the help of God."
As a result of her victory, Halep received the Star of Romania from the presidency and the Patriarchal Cross from the Orthodox Church.
