Crowd greets Simona Halep in Bucharest following Grand Slam victory

Simona Halep was greeted by a crowd of tens of thousands of Romanians at the National Arena in Bucharest, where she was honored following her Grand Slam triumph at the French Open.

"I hope this trophy is the start of a new generation of champions," she was quoted as telling the crowd.

Halep defeated Sloane Stephens to win the title, her first in four finals appearances. The No. 1 came from a set and a break down to win—a reversal of 2017, when she a had a big lead but fell against Jelena Ostapenko in the final. At the Australian Open, Halep played three long three-setters, including the semifinals and finals, but again could not win the title.

WATCH—Championship point from Halep's win over Stephens in Roland Garros final:

Halep's victory was also hailed by other players, who pointed to her commitment and ability to rebound from previous defeats at the Slams.

Halep said she did not know what it would be like to return to competition as a Grand Slam champion.

"Maybe this will change my vision of the pressure and everything," she was quoted as saying following her win. "But for the moment I will be off for a few days."

Halep is next scheduled to play Eastbourne.