Dream becomes reality for Halep

PARIS:A childhood dream has finally become a reality for Simona Halep and she still couldn’t believe the moment was real when she beat Sloane Stephens to win her first major title at the French Open in Paris on Saturday.

Halep has endured heartbreak in major finals before, losing twice at the French Open and more recently in the 2018 Australian Open final against Caroline Wozniacki.

However, at the fourth attempt against Stephens, this was her moment though she had to overcome a battle of deja vu after she fought from a set and a break down to emerge victorious with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 triumph in two hours.

“It’s not going to happen again, but it’s Okay. I have just to play,” commented Halep on what her mindset was like when she was in the position of losing another final.

“Then when I started to win games, I said there is a chance to come back and win it. So I believed in that, and my game was more relaxed. I could make more things on court, and that’s why I could win.

“I couldn’t breathe very well in the last game at 5-0. I had just to calm down my mind and not thinking about the trophy that much. I was very strong mentally to finish that.”

Halep clutched the Suzanne Lenglen trophy tightly and didn’t want to let it move far from her side in the post-match press conference, as this was the realisation of a dream goal the Romanian has had since she began a journey in tennis at 14 years-old.

As a teenager she went on to win a juniors title at the French Open in 2008 and even back then she knew that her first major title at senior level would come on the clay in Paris.

“I was dreaming for these moments,” said Halep.

“I was dreaming to win a Grand Slam. But the most important moment was when I won juniors. I said that if I will win a Grand Slam in professional tennis, I want it to be the same one.

“So I’m really happy that I didn’t win Melbourne (at the 2018 Australian Open) and it happened here!”

The world No 1 also had to double check that the trophy she earned after her epic victory wasn’t a phantom.

“I kissed it many times to be sure that it’s going to stay in my heart forever,” she said.

The tennis world meanwhile rejoiced in the 26-yearold’s success as waves of social media well wishes poured in.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova posted: “Simonaaaaa! You did it. So happy for you. Enjoy every second. You deserve this moment so much.”

While 18-time major champion Martina Navratilova was more poetic in her response: “patience brings roses as my grandmother used to say. And a lot of talent and work wins Roland Garros.”

Halep was humbled by the overwhelming reaction to her win and now she says she can go to bed safe in the knowledge she achieved her dream.