Simona Halep Awarded Patriarchal Cross For Winning Wimbledon

Simona Halep has received one of the biggest religious honour in Romania for emerging as the champions of the 2019 Wimbledon to become the first player from the country ever to reach the feat.

The 27-year-old breezed through a thrilling final against four-time champion Serena William on Saturday and thrashed the American in straight sets 6-2 6-2.

At the award event on Thursday, the two-time Grand Slam winner was awarded with Patriarchal Cross - the highest decoration of the Romanian Patriarchate and was described as a player that is a symbol of "diligence, perseverance and hope" to the country's younger generation.

"We are happy to emphasize that all of her achievements are the expression of her native talent cultivate through effort, constant effort," Patriarch Daniel said.

Simona won her first Grand Slam at the 2018 French Open playing through three sets 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 against American player Sloane Stephen, 26.

 "I am glad that I am a Romanian, I'm glad to be on this Earth and I hope to bring joy to as many people and children as possible, to inspire them to succeed with what they want. Thank God and Gold bless us all," Simona said