Critics Had Counted Simona Halep Out. Some Said She Did Not Have The Pedigree To Win A Grand Slam, While Others Called Her A Jinx. But The Romanian Rose From The Ashes To Win Her Maiden Grand Slam Crown At Roland Garros
FOR THAT One fleeting moment, Simona Halep knew not what to do she stood on the podium with the Coupe Suzan en trophy firmly in her hands. She had been in this position—at the podium following a Grand Slam final—on three previous occasions but had never hoisted the women’s trophy.
But here she was, atop a pedestal on Court Philippe-Chatrier after winning the French Open. She sang the Romanian national anthem with tears in her eyes. But when it was time to parade the trophy she had so yearned for, she had one of those what-do-you-do-when-you-finally-win moments.
A look behind to her opponent—the 2017 US Open champion —and Sloane Stephens was prompting her to raise the silverware over her head. Halep did so, vanquishing the demons of past defeats once and for all.
“I was dreaming of this moment since I actually started to play tennis,” she said. “It is my favourite Grand Slam. I always said that if I’m going to win one, I want it to be here. My family was supporting me all the time since I started, and all of the coaches and all the people that I worked with during these 20 years. All the friends, all the people that are really special to me in this life; without them, I probably couldn’t come back after losing three finals of the Grand Slam. Now I just want to forget everything and enjoy this moment because it’s really special.”
The little Romanian with a big heart was finally being rewarded for all that she had put into the game. Her grinding style of play mirroring that constant struggle for success. Even after three agonisingly close Grand Slam final losses, she had the courage and tenacity to strive further.
Esta historia es de la edición July - August 2018 de Sports Illustrated India.
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Esta historia es de la edición July - August 2018 de Sports Illustrated India.
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