Simona Halep returns to Romania, to be decorated by President Iohannis with the highest distinction of the Romanian state

Simona Halep has returned in Romania this afternoon after winning the Wimbledon tournament. She was welcomed by tens of fans, including by two of the best Romanian tennis players, Ilie Nastase and Ion Tiriac.

Upon her arrival at the airport, Simona thanked all those endorsed her in the careers, from coaches to fans, announcing she will be taking a few days off to get some rest and enjoy the Wimbledon trophy.

“I want to thank my family first for all its support, to all my coaches, to my team, of course to the Tennis Federation and to all the people who endorse me, fans and people who give me energy during the matches and who send me their good thoughts (…) I think it was the perfect match, the perfect day, I just wanted to do my job and I had my chance to win,” Simona said, while announcing she will take several days off.

“I will rest for several days, enjoy the trophy. I have a major goal every week, every tournament is important and I always want the maximum. Hagi has been my model since I was a child, he inspired me, made me think everything is possible,” the champion pointed out.

To be awarded Steaua Romaniei

The Presidential Administration has announced on Monday that President Klaus Iohannis will award Simona Halep, the highest distinction of the Romanian state, Steaua României (Romanian Star).

“As a result of the extraordinary performance at the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament and as a sign of recognition and appreciation for the whole activity, the President of Romania, Mr. Klaus Iohannis, has decided to award the highest award of the Romanian State, the National Order Steaua României in the Rank of the Knight, to the tennis player Simona Halep,” reads a press release from the Presidential Administration.

“Through her dedication, devotion and professionalism, confirmed both on the tennis court and out of the court, Simona Halep has promoted our country’s name all over the world. Simona Halep is a model for the younger generation, and her involvement in popularizing tennis among children is a huge gain for the Romanian sports,” the Presidency release reads.

The decoration ceremony will take place at the Cotroceni Palace, at a later date.

The City Hall to organize celebration for Simona

Bucharest mayor Gabriela Firea has announced on Wednesday that an event will be organized for Simona Halep, winner at Wimbledon.

The event will take place on the National Arena, with the Romanian Tennis Federation to provide further details.

Asked if she will attend this event, Gabriela Firea replied: “No,” informs digi24.ro.

In June 2018, spectators protested when Bucharest mayor Gabriela Firea handed out a plaque and a big bouquet of flowers to Simona, booing the mayor and preventing her from speaking.

Simona Halep had arrived in Romania after winning the Roland Garros title, also bringing the replica of the trophy embodying the first Grand Slam title in her career.

At least 20,000 fans acclaimed Simona on the National Arena in Bucharest, the location where she presented her trophy. The event started with singers Monica Anghel and Marcel Pavel singing the national anthem, along with all the people who came to cheer Halep.