Amanda Anisimova became Tatjana Maria’s latest victim, losing to the German qualifier in the final of the new WTA 500 event at Queen’s on Sunday. World No. 86 Maria went on an incredible run this week, coming through qualifying and beating four top-20 players in a row to be crowned the champion at the HSBC Championships.
The 37-year-old capped it off by beating Anisimova 6-3 6-4 in front of a packed Andy Murray Arena, and became the oldest woman ever to win a WTA 500 tournament. And moments after suffering defeat, Anisimova told Maria: “I wouldn’t be surprised if I see you in the Wimbledon final.”
Maria is no stranger to British grass. In 2022, she stormed into the Wimbledon semi-final while ranked outside of the world’s top 100. But the WTA did not award ranking points that year, and she was not properly rewarded for her efforts as a result.
Now ranked at No. 86 in the world, the German repeated her heroics at the Queen’s Club, with the WTA Tour returning to the British capital following a 52-year absence.
Maria came through qualifying and then beat Leylah Fernandez, Karolina Muchova, Elena Rybakina, Madison Keys, and Anisimova to lift the trophy.
The qualifier’s opponents struggled with her crafty game as she reeled off big serves, expertly sliced the ball, and ran players around the court. And it prompted Anisimova to make a bold prediction about the 37-year-old’s Wimbledon hopes.
After congratulating Maria and her family in a runner-up speech, the world No. 15 added: “Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if I see you in the Wimbledon final because you really had me running out there today!”
A former Grand Slam semi-finalist herself, Anisimova later explained why she thought Maria could thrive at the All England Club.
“I mean, she hits a lot of unpredictable shots over and over again, and it was really tough for me to play the way I like to play. I mean, that’s why I said that,” she said.
“She also beat Madison yesterday, so she’s very good on the grass, very difficult to play. I mean, I can see her having a really good run there.
“She definitely slices more than the average player. Just not something you’re used to. I mean, most of my matches, I’m not getting a slice after every single ball.
“It’s definitely different, but everyone has their own way of playing. Yeah, it’s just something you need to adjust and adapt to.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk