The 37-year-old defeats another top player and is now fighting for her 500th title.
Tatjana Maria caused another huge upset at the WTA tournament in London, reaching the final of a 500-series tournament for the first time at the age of 37.
In the grass court competition in the British capital, Maria (Bad Saulgau) sensationally defeated Australian Open winner Madison Keys from the USA 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) and is now aiming for her fourth title on the WTA Tour.
After 90 minutes, Maria converted her second match point, jumped around the court like a teenager and then fell into the arms of her family. “I can’t believe it, it’s a dream come true,” said Maria in the winner’s interview: “I’m very proud.”
Maria new German number one
In Sunday’s final, Maria will face Paris Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen (China) or Amanda Anisimova from the USA. Maria, who will climb to 52nd in the world rankings by reaching the final, replacing Eva Lys as Germany’s number one, has a flawless record in finals so far: she won in Mallorca (2018) and twice in Bogotá (2022, 2023).
The strong grass court player Maria, who reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2022, defeated her next top opponent on Saturday.
Maria on qualifying for the main draw
The mother of two had previously defeated former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez (Canada), former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova (Czech Republic) and former Wimbledon winner Jelena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) in London. Maria had qualified for the main draw.
The tournament at Queen’s Club in West Kensington, where women are competing for the first time since 1973, serves as preparation for the third Grand Slam of the year at Wimbledon (June 30 to July 13).
