PARIS — Nadia Comaneci did not want to miss the moment, the one she hopes can reinvigorate her country.
Comaneci, the great Romanian gymnast who is now based in Oklahoma, landed in Paris on Saturday, two hours before the women’s final of the French Open, where her countrywoman Simona Halep was hoping to finally break through for her first Grand Slam title.
The top-ranked Halep made the trip worthwhile, beating Sloane Stephens, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, in front of a boisterous crowd with dozens of bright red, yellow and blue Romanian flags.
“I wouldn’t miss this moment,” Comaneci said.