Tatjana Maria made the very big surprise and won the tournament in the London Queens Club. In the final, the 37-year-old defeated the American Amanda Anisimowa with 6: 3, 6: 4.
“It was such a great tournament, I enjoyed every second, it was a great pleasure to play here”, said Maria. She thanked not only the fans for the support, but also especially her family in the audience. After Gottfried von Cramm (1939), Boris Becker (1985, 1987, 1988 and 1996) and Michael Stich (1993), a German tennis player triumphed for the first time at the preparation tournament on Wimbledon. The Queen’s Club had been reserved for men in the past 52 years, this year the women’s competition celebrated its comeback – with a completely unexpected winner.
Highly concentrated From the beginning
It was almost incredible what Tatjana Maria delivered again for a game on this final day. In just half an hour she made short work and grabs the first set 6: 3. The basis was an early break to 3: 1 and also from a re-break to 4: 3, she could not be disturbed and struck back immediately.
She played her slice for perfection again, but the rest of her game was just highly concentrated. From the surcharge, she brought almost everything through and annoyed her favorite opponent early to despair. Again and again the American’s returns landed on the net, and in phases she really looked at a loss.
Tatjana Maria at the serve in the final of London.
Anisimowa changes
When the Germans made a next break at the start of the second set, something like a preliminary decision seemed possible. But Anisimowa, placed in the world rankings to 15, has not yet been beaten. The 23-year-old better adapted to her opponent’s slice and from then on simply played a little more patient.
The key game was probably Maria’s serve game to 3: 1, which she brought under the roof and subject after an extremely long fight. Anisimowa, who had been bounded, seemed to be pulled by the plug. In the next round, almost effortlessly, Maria made her fourth break and took the lead 4-1.
For the 5: 3, the Schwäbin was able to rely on their service at SIMM Service, which was awarded a critical phase. It was the decision, two games later Maria had made her valuable tournament victory.