From 159-1 Underdog to WTA 500 Finalist: A Stunning Turnaround

Tatjana Maria, a 37-year-old German tennis star, has pulled off an incredible feat, storming into the Queen’s Club final after a stunning run of six consecutive wins. The unseeded Maria, who was considered a 159-1 outsider to win the tournament at the start of the week, defeated reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys 6-3, 7-6 (3) in a semi-final high on shot-making and finesse.

Maria’s victory is all the more remarkable considering her struggles in the lead-up to the tournament. She had lost nine consecutive matches and was in danger of dropping out of the world’s top 100. However, she has now powered into a WTA 500 final, beating three players in the world’s top 15, including former French Open finalist Karolina Muchova and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

Maria’s game is built on chaos, and she has a unique ability to leave her opponents lost in her matrix. Her one-handed backhand and sliced forehand make it difficult for her opponents to find their rhythm, especially on grass. Despite being considered a 9-2 outsider against Keys, Maria did not read the script, holding her opening service games comfortably and breaking to go 3-1 up when Keys hit a backhand long.

The German’s daughters, Charlotte and Cecilia, were in attendance, and Maria said it was “super-special” to have them around and to live these moments with them. Maria continued to press and at 2-2, Keys had to save a break point with a 118mph ace. However, Maria was unstoppable, winning the second set tie-break and ultimately securing the victory.

When asked to explain how she had turned her game around after not winning a match between late March and early June, Maria said, “You always have to keep going. You can never stop, no matter how it goes. I’ve had my ups and downs, but I love to play tennis, I love this sport, and we live for these special moments.”

Maria’s reward for her incredible performance is an extra 320 ranking points, a spot just outside the top 50 in the live WTA world rankings, and a place in Sunday’s final against Amanda Anismova. As Maria prepares to face Anismova, it remains to be seen if this magical fairytale is over yet.

A New Chapter for Maria

Maria’s journey to the final is a testament to her determination and resilience. Despite facing numerous setbacks and disappointments throughout her career, she has continued to push herself and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of professional tennis. Her ability to stay focused and motivated, even in the face of adversity, is a quality that has served her well in her remarkable run at Queen’s Club.

Maria’s daughters, Charlotte and Cecilia, have been a constant presence throughout her career, attending tournaments and matches from the beginning. For Maria, having them around is a source of inspiration and motivation. “They are my biggest supporters,” she said. “They give me the energy and the motivation to keep going, even when things get tough.”

Maria will face Amanda Anismova in Sunday’s final, a player who has also had a remarkable run at Queen’s Club. Anismova defeated Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in the other semi-final, and will be looking to spoil Maria’s fairytale. The stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable final, one that promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an already incredible week at Queen’s Club.