Tatjana Maria’s extraordinary run at the Queen’s Club continued in breathtaking fashion as the 37-year-old veteran stormed into the WTA 500 final, toppling reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3). The win marked her sixth consecutive victory at the tournament, including two qualifying matches, and her third over a top-15 opponent in the span of just one week.
Coming into Queen’s on the back of a nine-match losing streak and ranked 86th in the world, Maria was widely written off. Few gave her a chance of making it deep into the draw, let alone reaching the final. Yet with a style as unconventional as her rise, the German has conjured a magical revival that has captivated the tennis world.
Maria’s latest victory was perhaps her most impressive yet. Facing a confident Keys, who had been tipped as a strong contender for the Wimbledon title, Maria produced a display full of subtlety, variety, and tactical brilliance. Her signature mix of sliced forehands, one-handed backhands, and deceptive angles frustrated Keys throughout, particularly on the grass court where her game thrives.
Despite blustery conditions, Maria started the match with composure and confidence. She broke early to lead 3-1 and barely wavered from that point, surrendering only four points on her serve for the remainder of the first set. While Keys showed flashes of her power game, Maria’s unpredictable rhythm and exceptional court craft frequently disrupted her opponent’s timing.
The second set was tighter, with both players holding serve until a tense tiebreak. Keys had a chance for a mini-break early on but failed to capitalize, and Maria seized control with a stunning backhand pass and a powerful 116mph serve. The match ended on a mishit from Keys, confirming Maria’s stunning upset.
Watching courtside were her two daughters, Charlotte, 11, and Cecilia, four, who travel with her throughout the season. Having them present made the moment all the more special. Though little Cecilia reportedly fell asleep during the match, Maria beamed with joy at sharing the milestone with her family.
Her transformation from a player on the verge of dropping out of the top 100 to a finalist at a prestigious grass-court event has been remarkable. Along the way, she’s dispatched some of the biggest names in the sport, including Karolina Muchova and Elena Rybakina, both Grand Slam finalists.
Now just outside the world’s top 50 in the live rankings, Maria heads into the final against Amanda Anisimova with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Regardless of Sunday’s result, her Queen’s Club journey stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, love for the sport, and the magic that tennis can deliver.
