"Maria Makes the Cut": Maria Advances Spectacularly to London Finals
**London (dpa) - Tennis sensation Tatjana Maria defies odds by storming into the final of a WTA 500 tournament for the first time in her career, staging a shocking 6:3, 7:6 (7:3) victory over the heavily-favored American Open champion, Madison Keys. The 37-year-old German pro is on a dream run and couldn't be more thrilled. "I can't bloody believe it! This is a dream come true," exclaimed Maria, praising the tournament for providing an unparalleled experience.
With this win, Maria etches her name in history as the oldest player ever to feature in a WTA 500 final, at 37 years and 312 days. In the grass court final, she'll lock horns with American Amanda Anisimova, who outplayed Zheng Qinwen of China 6:2, 4:6, 6:4.
Alexander Zverev, Germany's top tennis star, wishes Maria all the best for the final. "I hope she bags another win, especially at her age. It'd be fricking awesome to see her triumph again," said Zverev. Maria's last tournament victory dates back to 2023, in Bogota, Colombia.
On her beloved grass court, Maria has been causing upsets, ousting formidable opponents like Elena Rybakina, the former Canadian US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, and Czech Karolina Muchova. The Queen's Club tournament serves as a significant precursor to the grass classic, Wimbledon, which takes place from June 30 to July 13.
In 2022, Maria made headlines with her career-defining semifinals run at Wimbledon, a testament to her enduring skill and tenacity.
Background: Tatjana Maria boasts an impressive professional tennis career, marked by numerous achievements.
Career Milestones:
- WTA Titles: With four WTA titles under her belt, Maria's triumphs include grass and clay victories in Mallorca (2018) and Bogota (2022, 2023)[1].
- Grand Slam Heroics: Maria reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2022, making her one of the rare players to accomplish this feat after turning 34[5].
- WTA 500 Titleholder: Maria claimed the title at Queen's Club in 2025, making history as the oldest WTA 500 champion[2][5].
Recent Victories:**
- Queen's Club 2025: Maria clinched the Queen's Club final against Amanda Anisimova in straight sets, earning her maiden WTA 500 trophy and the first women's title at Queen's Club in 52 years[1][2].
- Marquee Wins: On her path to Queen's Club glory, Maria vanquished top-ranked players like Madison Keys, Elena Rybakina, and Karolina Muchova[1][2].
Personal Touch: Maria's resilience and determination set her apart. Her family, including her husband and coach, Charles-Edouard Maria, and her daughters, have been her rock throughout her journey[1].
In the grass court final of the WTA 500 tournament at Queen's Club, Tatjana Maria will compete against Amanda Anisimova, aiming to repeat her history-making victory, as she previously won the WTA 500 title in 2025, becoming the oldest champion in this category's history. Following her remarkable run, Maria's next challenge is sports-analysis, as she continues to defy expectations in the world of tennis.
