In a stunning display of skill and determination, Tatjana Maria delivered a masterclass performance at the Queen's Club Championships, ousting Madison Keys and securing her place in the final. The veteran German player showcased her expertise on grass courts, leaving her opponent struggling to find answers against her strategic game.
Maria's journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. As a qualifier, she navigated a challenging draw, overcoming tough opponents like Leylah Fernandez, Karolina Muchova, and Elena Rybakina, before facing Keys in the semi-final. Her ability to adapt her game and exploit her opponents' weaknesses has been a key factor in her success.
Against Keys, Maria demonstrated her exceptional return game, immediately putting pressure on the American's serve. Keys struggled to win short points, and Maria seized the opportunity, securing an early break in the second game. Consolidating the break with her strong serve, Maria quickly established a 4-1 lead. Her impressive 78% first-serve percentage, winning 81% of those points, made it incredibly difficult for Keys to gain any ground. Maria confidently closed out the first set 6-3, winning 71% of her service points compared to Keys' 63%.
The second set saw a determined effort from Keys to stay in contention. Both players held serve, reaching 2-2 without any break opportunities. Maria once again threatened Keys' serve, earning a break chance in the fifth game, but Keys managed to hold on. The set remained tight, with both players having chances to break, but neither could convert. Eventually, the set went to a tie-break.
In the tie-break, Maria's experience and composure shone through. She continued to serve effectively, forcing Keys into longer rallies and capitalizing on errors. Keys conceded her serve twice, allowing Maria to close out the victory 7-6(3).
This victory marks Maria's first final since the 2023 Copa Colsanitas, and her first WTA 500 final in her career. Her previous success on grass courts includes a quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon 2022, demonstrating her comfort and skill on the surface. At 37 years old, Maria's resilience and determination are truly inspiring.
Looking ahead to the final, Maria will face the winner between Zheng Qinwen and Amanda Anisimova. Regardless of her opponent, Maria's performance against Keys proves that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her strategic gameplay, strong serve, and experience on grass make her a formidable contender for the title. Tennis fans eagerly anticipate the final to see if Maria can continue her impressive run and claim the Queen's Club Championship title.