Tatjana Maria has become the first player to win the women’s singles at Queen’s Club since 1973.
The German, who entered as a qualifier, beat Amanda Anisimova 6-3 6-4 on Sunday to win her first ever WTA 500 grass court title.
Maria made Queen’s Club history in the finalAFPWomen’s tennis didn’t feature at Queen’s for over five decades after a decision that was made by the Lawn Tennis Association [LTA].
“Essentially, in 1974 the LTA decided to move the women’s event at Queen’s to Eastbourne,” former Brit star Laura Robson told the BBC.
Russian Olga Morozova was the last female champion in 1973 when she won in straight sets against Evonne Goolagong.
But her 52-year reign in West Kensington has been ended by Maria.
Morozova reportedly won around £1,000 for her victory at Queen’s, which is roughly £15,000 in the current economy.
In comparison, Maria has earned close to £161,000 by beating Anisimova, and even emulated Serena Williams‘ achievement too.
The 37-year-old is the oldest player to have won a WTA tour title since Williams triumphed at the Auckland Classic in 2020 aged 38.
Following her victory, Maria paid tribute to her family and husband Charles-Edouard Maria, who is also her coach,” she said.
“My husband, he’s really, really special. He is an amazing husband, coach, he does everything.
“Thank you so much for believing in me all the time. It doesn’t matter how it goes, we always stick together.
Maria is the first female champion in 52 yearsGetty Only Williams has won an WTA title at an older ageGetty“I think that’s most important, and of course our beautiful girls, Charlotte and Cece, I love you both, you are amazing.”
Maria dropped just one set across her five main draw matches and even beat second seed Madison Keys in the semi-finals.
Sunday’s final was the second time that she faced Anisimova, who she beat in qualifying for the 2018 China Open.
The German has appeared at the Australian and French Opens this year and could be set for more Grand Slam action at Wimbledon.
Maria was a semi-finalist there in 2022 but lost to Ons Jabeur.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Tatjana Maria ends unique 52-year title reign at Queen’s and emulates Serena Williams feat )
Also on site :