Maria’s fairytale run ends in Queen’s glory after 52-year wait

Tatjana Maria completed a remarkable journey from qualifying to champion as she defeated Amanda Anisimova to become the first women’s winner at Queen’s in 52 years.

The 37-year-old German stunned the American world number 15 with a composed 6-3 6-4 victory.

It marked the culmination of an extraordinary week for the mother-of-two, who lost just one set over seven matches in nine days. Along the way, she defeated four top-15 opponents in the past five days, including reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys.

Such is Maria’s enduring career that she made her professional debut just days before the 23-year-old Anisimova was born.

Maria raised her arms in disbelief as Anisimova sent a forehand wide on match point, before the pair embraced warmly at the net. She then raced over to celebrate with her husband and coach, Charles, and their two children — though her youngest daughter, Cecilia, appeared to have slept through the final in her pram.