Champion Halep hailed on Romania homecoming
New French Open champion Simona Halep was hailed as a heroine on her return to Romania with the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen.
The World No.1 was welcomed by 15,000 fans at the Bucharest National Stadium as they celebrated her first Grand Slam.
"I hope this trophy is the beginning of a new generation of champions," an emotional Halep told the crowd.
"I want to thank Romania for everything it has given me so far. I hope this trophy is the beginning of a new generation of champions. I don't want to leave this scene, it's too beautiful. Thank you and my heart is with you" - a very emotional Simona Halep.
๐ฝ: Digi Sport pic.twitter.com/fxKJZ1LeOSโ Ramona Toderaล (@RamonaToderas) June 11, 2018
READ: Halep - 'I feel complete, but I want to play more'
Halep's achievement was also celebrated with a musical reception.
Simo dancing on "You're simply the best" it really is simply the best! ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ pic.twitter.com/MANA8VxXTt
โ SimoReactions (@Simoreactions) June 11, 2018
She was later happy to pose for photos - and some young fans were very keen to get their hands on the shiny new trophy.
LOOK: Simona's shining moment - Halep and the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen
READ: Halep's heroics - how the world's media reacted
The new French Open champion had earlier been met at the airport with a literal red carpet reception.
Red carpet welcome for Simona Halep at the airport today #tennis pic.twitter.com/jT9IXahirr
โ Ramona Toderaล (@RamonaToderas) June 11, 2018