Tatjana Maria's Meteoric Rise: An Underdog's Dream Tournament Run
Australia's Open title holder faces a surprising challenge from Germany
Tennis player Tatjana Maria continues to astound everyone, reaching the final of a WTA 500 tournament in London for the very first time, outperforming the favorites and making history. Here's how it went down.
37 and ShiningMaria, a 37-year-old from Stuttgart, is having the ride of her life after upsetting the American Open champion, Madison Keys, in the semis, winning 6:3, 7:6 (7:3). In doing so, she has become the oldest player to reach a WTA 500 tournament final, surpassing records and expectations.
Jumping for joy like a youngster on the court, an ecstatic Maria said, "I can't believe it! I've never dreamed of a better tournament to reach the final. I'm so, so proud."
Age is Just a NumberIn the grass-court final, Maria will face American Amanda Anisimova, who defeated the top-seeded Zheng Qinwen from China. The tournament at the Queen's Club is a crucial indicator for the upcoming Wimbledon, with Maria set to rise to No. 52 in the world rankings, edging out fellow German Eva Lys. To date, Maria boasts a flawless final record - she won in Mallorca in 2018 and twice in Bogotá in 2022 and 2023.
The Underdog's RunMaria has stamped her authority as a match-stealer on her favorite surface, having previously defeated the former Wimbledon champion Jelena Rybakina and former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, as well as the Czech Karolina Muchova during the earlier rounds. In 2022, Maria made her biggest mark on Grand Slam level, reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon.
Zverev's SupportGermany's top tennis player Alexander Zverev is rooting for Maria. "I think it's great that she hasn't won a tournament in a long time, so it would be nice to see her do it again, especially at her age," he said. "She's always has her family, her daughters with her, which I think is awesome."
Sources: ntv.de, ara/dpa/sid
Insights
While the WTA rankings may suggest Maria's career peak at a close No. 42, her recent wins in London show otherwise. With a perfect record in finals and titles under her belt on both grass and clay, it's no surprise that this seasoned athlete continues to defy the odds.
[1] https://www.wtatennis.com/tournament/wta500-london[2] https://www.sid.de/nachrichten/aktuell/sport/tennis-tatjana-maria-siegt-in-doppel-und-erreicht-einen-finaleinzug-306429012.html[3] https://www.cludesport.com/dames-de-singles-tatjana-maria-en-finale-du-tournoi-wta500-de-londres,1218867.html[4] https://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2022/06/23/557593/tatjana-maria-semifinalist-wimbledon-tennis-2022[5] https://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=I288455
Sports enthusiasts can rejoice as Tatjana Maria, a veteran tennis player, continues to break records and defy expectations in the world of professional tennis. On the heels of her historic run at the WTA 500 tournament in London, Maria has secured a spot in the final, outshining favorites and solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court.
