For the first time in over half a century, the Queen’s Club in London has a new women’s singles champion—and her name is Tatjana Maria. The 37-year-old German qualifier delivered a masterclass in grass-court tennis, defeating a string of top-ranked opponents and capping her run with a straight-sets victory over Amanda Anisimova. Maria’s triumph is not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for the sport, marking the return of women’s tennis to the iconic venue after 52 years.
A Historic Return to Queen’s Club
The last time a women’s tournament was played at Queen’s Club was 1973, an era defined by wooden racquets and a very different style of play. Fast forward to 2025, and Tatjana Maria’s throwback, slice-heavy game proved the perfect homage to that bygone era, as she navigated a fiercely competitive field to claim the HSBC Championships title.
Key Facts About the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships
- First women’s singles event at Queen’s Club in 52 years.
- Maria is the oldest player to win a WTA 500 event, breaking records at age 37.
- The German qualifier defeated four Top 15 players en route to the title.
- Maria’s victory marks her fourth career WTA singles title and her second on grass.
Tatjana Maria’s Remarkable Run
Maria’s journey from qualifier to champion is the stuff of tennis legend. Coming into the tournament ranked No. 86 and winless in two months, she faced a daunting draw. Yet, match by match, she outfoxed some of the tour’s most powerful players.
Her Path to the Trophy
Qualifying Rounds: Maria battled through the qualifying draw, earning her spot in the main event.
Top 15 Upsets: She toppled No. 6 seed Karolina Muchova, No. 4 Elena Rybakina, and No. 2 Madison Keys—each a formidable grass-court opponent.
The Final Showdown: In the championship match, Maria faced 8th seed Amanda Anisimova. Using her trademark slices and tactical savvy, she won 6-3, 6-4, dropping only one set throughout the entire tournament.
Maria’s victory is even more impressive considering her age and the fact that she is a mother of two. She is now the oldest player to win a WTA title since Serena Williams in 2020.
What This Win Means for Women’s Tennis
The return of women’s tennis to Queen’s Club was met with enthusiasm from both fans and players, with high attendance and widespread praise for the competitive field. Maria’s win is a testament to perseverance, experience, and the enduring appeal of classic grass-court tennis.
Maria’s Reflections
After her victory, Maria said:
“I’m a good example that even in my age, you still can win big trophies. I believed always in it, and my husband too. That’s why we kept going, because there was always this belief that I can win big tournaments, and that I can do great things on the court.”
The Significance of Maria’s Achievement
Oldest WTA 500 Champion: At 37, Maria sets a new standard for longevity in the sport.
Historic First: She is the first woman to lift the Queen’s Club trophy since 1973.
Career Milestone: The win propels Maria up the rankings to No. 43, just shy of her career-high.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who did Tatjana Maria defeat in the Queen’s Club final?
She defeated American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-4 to win the title.
2. How old is Tatjana Maria, and why is her win historic?
Maria is 37 years old, making her the oldest WTA 500 champion in history and the first woman to win at Queen’s Club since 1973.
3. What was unique about the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships?
It marked the return of women’s singles to Queen’s Club after 52 years, drawing high praise for its competitive field and atmosphere.
4. How many top-ranked players did Maria defeat during the tournament?
She beat four Top 15 opponents, including Madison Keys, Elena Rybakina, Karolina Muchova, and Amanda Anisimova.
5. What does this victory mean for Maria’s career?
It’s the biggest title of her career, her fourth WTA singles title, and a testament to her resilience and grass-court prowess.
Conclusion
Tatjana Maria’s victory at the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships is a story of perseverance, tactical brilliance, and breaking barriers. By becoming the first women’s champion at Queen’s since 1973—and the oldest WTA 500 winner—Maria has inspired fans and players alike, proving that belief and hard work can lead to historic achievements at any stage of life. As women’s tennis returns to this iconic venue, Maria’s name will forever be etched in its storied history.
