Eighth seed Amanda Anisimova is set to face surprise finalist Tatjana Maria in the women’s final at Queen’s Club today. Maria, the German veteran, has made an unexpected leap into the final, defying expectations by defeating second seed and Australian Open champion Madison Keys with a score of 6-3, 7-6(3) in the semi-finals.
Coming into the tournament, Maria was carrying a burden of nine consecutive losses, leading many to question if the 37-year-old mother of two was nearing the end of her professional journey. However, she silenced her critics on the green grass courts at the Andy Murray Arena, where she has impressively eliminated two grand slam champions in consecutive matches.
Prior to facing Anisimova, Maria took down former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals, showcasing her resilience and talent. Anisimova, on the other hand, reached the final by triumphing over the Olympic champion and top seed Qinwen Zheng in her semifinal match.
The final is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 PM BST today at the Andy Murray Arena, and fans in the UK can catch the match live on BBC One. Streaming is also available via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website/app, with live radio commentary airing on Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
After her victory over Zheng, Anisimova expressed her excitement about reaching the final, noting how challenging her previous matches against Maria had been. She acknowledged the tricky playing conditions but emphasized her relief and satisfaction with her performance, highlighting her anticipation for the upcoming match. “I’m super happy to see her in the final, it’s incredible what she’s doing,” she remarked.
Maria, elated by her remarkable journey to the final, described the experience as a “dream come true.” She emphasized the importance of perseverance in her career, sharing her passion for the sport and the joy she finds in these significant moments.
Both players bring a compelling narrative to the final, with Anisimova aiming for her first significant title on grass and Maria seeking to cap off her surprising run with a victory, making this final an exciting matchup to watch.