- Tatjana Maria secured the biggest triumph of her career with victory at Queen’s
- The 37-year-old defeated No8 seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-4 in the final
On Father’s Day, a mother reigned as the Queen of Queen’s Club. Tatjana Maria, 37 years old, world No88 and a mum of two, became the first winner of the women’s title here since Olga Morozova in 1973.
The German, who has won seven matches here having come through qualifying, beat No8 seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the first women’s event held at this fine old place in 52 years.
In the moment of victory, Maria dropped her racket and ran to her family courtside. Husband and coach Charles-Edouard Maria was pumping his fists in joy.
Charlotte, 11 and a fine player herself, was elated, flinging herself into mum’s arms. Cecilia, four, was wholly uninterested, perhaps annoyed the hullabaloo had interrupted her nap.
‘How to start?’ said Maria, having written ‘Queen of Queen’s’ on the camera. ‘Thanks of course to the tournament, I enjoyed every second here.
‘My family, my team. It’s Fathers’ Day so I have to say to my husband: he’s an amazing husband, coach, he does everything. Thank you for always believing in me, it doesn’t matter how it goes we always stick together and of course our beautiful girls: I love you both, you’re amazing.
Tatjana Maria secured the biggest victory of her career as she triumphed at Queen’s
Maria defeated No8 seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-4 to win the first women’s event at the club since 1973
The 37-year-old celebrated with her family at courtside following the win (pictured here after her semi-final win on Saturday)
‘We have such a great team, so much fun and of course we’re going to celebrate and I can’t wait.’
Women giving birth and returning to the tour is becoming more common, and more supported. The WTA in March launched a program for paid maternity leave, and just a few days ago announced measures which would allow players to taking a break for fertility treatment to retain their ranking.
Before all this, Maria was among the trailblazers, a source of friendship and advice to the likes of Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka who have combined tennis with motherhood.
And now in the 20th year of her career, comes Maria’s biggest title. She is largely overpowered on other surfaces these days, but on grass her curious style of slices off both forehand and backhand is a nightmare to deal with.
Even the top players struggle: here she has beaten in succession: No6 seed Karolina Muchova; No 4 seed and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina; No2 seed and Australian Open champion Madison Keys; and now No8 seed Anisimova.
She will be a horror draw for anyone in the first round of Wimbledon.
