Maria shocks Keys, enters Queen’s final

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — German qualifier Tatjana Maria produced a stunning 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) win over Australian Open champion Madison Keys on Saturday to earn a Queen's Club final clash with Amanda Anisimova.

Mother of two Maria has enjoyed a memorable run in the first women's tournament at Queen's for 52 years.

The 37-year-old reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022, but was forced to qualify for Queen's after dropping to 86th in the WTA rankings.

Maria shocked former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in the quarterfinals on Friday and delivered another masterclass with her slice-heavy style against Keys.

The German celebrated with her husband and eldest daughter Charlotte as her other child Cecilia slept in her pram.

"I cannot believe it. It's a dream come true. I could not wish for a better tournament to be in the final and I'm so proud," she said.

"I love to be here with my family. It makes it so special that we live this dream together."

Maria can complete her fairytale week against American world No. 15 Anisimova, who clinched a surprise 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 win against Chinese top seed Zheng Qinwen in the second semifinal.

Maria has never been past the second round of any Grand Slam except Wimbledon, but once again she is proving a formidable force on grass.

"You always have to keep going. You never can stop, it doesn't matter how it goes," she said.

"I've had my ups and downs but I always keep going. I love to play tennis, I love the sport and we live for these special moments. That's why it's amazing."

Keys' exit was a blow to her preparations for Wimbledon, which gets underway across London at the All England Club on 30 June.