In a surprising upset at the HSBC Championships held at The Queen’s Club in London, Germany’s Tatjana Maria triumphed over American Madison Keys in straight sets, winning 6-3, 7-6 (3). The 37-year-old qualifier achieved this victory, marking her first win against the reigning Australian Open champion after three previous losses.
Maria, currently ranked 86th, displayed remarkable resilience throughout the match, overcoming an adversary ranked eighth who recorded an impressive 10 aces but was unable to secure a single break against her opponent. This marks a significant moment for Maria, not only as a stunning performance in the semifinals but also as a pivotal stepping stone in her quest for another title, having previously won three, with her last victory in 2023 at Bogota.
The upcoming final will see Maria face either Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen or eighth-seeded Amanda Anisimova, as players gear up for Wimbledon later this month. It’s a remarkable story of perseverance, highlighting Maria’s journey as a mother of two who continues to compete at a high level in tennis.
This victory not only serves as a significant personal achievement for Maria but also illustrates the unpredictable nature of sports, particularly in the face of young talent. Fans of the sport can look forward to an exciting final as Maria hopes to add another title to her career.