Tatjana Maria entered the qualifying rounds ranked No. 86 in the PIF WTA Rankings, aiming for her first win in over two months.
A victory in the HSBC Championships final on Sunday would mark her seventh win in just nine days and elevate her ranking to No. 43, just one spot short of her career high.
The challenge ahead is significant, as she faces the rising star Amanda Anisimova, who is currently ranked No. 15, a career-best for her. Notably, Anisimova was ranked No. 190 a year ago and is now a strong contender.
HSBC Championships Final: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. local (8:30 a.m. ET)
Maria has overcome three top seeds at Queen’s Club: No. 6 Karolina Muchova, No. 4 Elena Rybakina, and No. 2 Madison Keys in an impressive match that ended 6-3, 7-6 (3).
Post-match, Maria expressed disbelief at her achievements, stating, “Yeah, it feels amazing. I try to come down and to realize that I’m really in the final here.” Anisimova, too, was visibly shocked after her victory over top-seeded Zheng Qinwen, marking her first grass-court final.
The two have faced off once before, with Maria winning in three sets. However, that match took place seven years ago and is of little relevance to this upcoming final.
Advantage, Anisimova
In her semifinal match against Zheng, Anisimova exhibited moments of doubt reminiscent of her pre-comeback performances. Despite showing signs of fading confidence, she was able to fight through challenges and secure the victory, demonstrating the resilience she has developed since returning to the sport.
Her recent performances are attributed to a newfound mental strength, as she explained, “I think a lot of work on the mental side, honestly… the biggest asset this week that helped me win the title was my composure.” Anisimova is focused and determined, approaching the final with confidence after defeating both Emma Navarro and Zheng, both ranked in the Top 10.
Advantage, Maria
Maria’s journey through the tournament has been a testament to her skill, utilizing clever plays and powerful serves to neutralize competitors. Against Keys, she achieved five aces with no double faults, winning a remarkable 89 percent of her first-serve points.
With a leading total of 26 aces in the tournament, she has excelled on grass, the only surface where she boasts a winning record. Maria’s previous best at a major was reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon three years ago, and she aims to capitalize on her experience as the oldest finalist in a WTA 500 event.
As she approaches her 38th birthday, Maria feels a growing urgency to create lasting memories for her daughters, Charlotte and Cecilia, who are now old enough to appreciate her achievements. “Every match was getting better… now I’m in the final, so I’m really, really pleased with my performance,” she remarked.
