Online Reporter
TATJANA Maria completed an incredible run from qualifying to the title as she beat Amanda Anisimova to become the first women’s champion at Queen’s for 52 years.
The 37-year-old German confounded the American world number 15 in a 6-3 6-4 victory.
It capped an astonishing week for the mother-of-two, who dropped just one set across seven matches in nine days.
She has beaten four top-15 players over the past five days, including reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
Such is Maria’s longevity that she made her professional debut just a few days before the 23-year-old Anisimova was born.
Maria threw her arms into the air in disbelief as a wide Anisimova forehand confirmed her victory before the two shared a warm hug at the net.
She then darted over to celebrate with Charles, her husband and coach, and her two children — although youngest daughter Cecilia appeared to have slept through the match in her pushchair.
After writing “Queen of Queen’s” on the camera lens, Maria told BBC Sport: “When we arrived here my little girl said ‘wow, that’s a nice trophy’ and I said “OK, let’s go for it.”
“In the end I’ve won it — it’s incredible. Everything is possible if you believe in it.
“You go your way, doesn’t matter what it is, but you have to keep going. It’s amazing.”
This was the first women’s tour event at Queen’s since 1973 and attracted many of the world’s top players as they prepare for Wimbledon, making Maria’s charge to the trophy a particularly remarkable achievement. — Zimpapers Sports Hub / BBC Sport .
