TIMISOARA, Romania - World No.1 Simona Halep has been awarded an honorary doctorate from West University, Timisoara, in her homeland of Romania.

The degree of doctor honoris causa was in recognition of her achievements in tennis as well as her role as a representative and unofficial ambassador of her country.

Halep described herself as "proud and honored" to receive the award.

Halep won her maiden Grand Slam in 2018, picking up the French Open title, and finished as Year-End World No.1, as she did in 2017. She could not compete in the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global due to injury, but was still selected as Player of the Year.