Tatjana Maria sensationally secured the title at the traditional British grass court tournament at London's Queen's Club in June - and with a style of play that could hardly be more unique. As the German number one, she is one of the favourites at the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open. But "Tadde" also cultivates a clear style off the court: opinionated, reflective, tenacious.
Tatjana Maria about...
... their stamina:
She has been a professional since 2001, almost 25 years ago, but it took her until 2018 to win her first WTA tournament on Mallorca. That alone is proof of her unusual stamina. "The most important thing is that you love what you do," says Maria, explaining her unwavering ambition. This also took her to the semi-finals of Wimbledon in 2022.
... their self-confidence:
In the final in Queens, Tatjana Maria defeated Amanda Anisimova from the USA and, with a lot of slice on her forehand and backhand, crowned herself the oldest winner of a WTA 500 tournament at the age of 37. This title win was her first triumph at a tournament in this category - after a quarter of a century as a professional on the tour. "I always believed that something was possible for me on grass. And I always believed that I could beat top players. That's more surprising for outsiders than it is for me."
... their "vitamin C":
Tatjana Maria has her own personal "vitamin C" - which for her is made up of Charles, Charlotte (11) and Cecilia (4), her husband (and trainer) and her daughters. This trio is practically always there, no matter where in the world Tatjana Maria happens to be. Including, of course, at the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open at the Rothenbaum: "We're coming to Hamburg in full strength." Then she laughs and adds: "I work a little differently to the others."
... her rival and friend Eva Lys:
"Eva is great, and it's good for Germany that a younger woman is coming to the front with her. We get on really well. I think I helped Eva a bit at the beginning and was able to give her a few tips." Now Tatjana Maria wants to benefit from the fact that Lys is at home here on the Elbe, "because I don't know Hamburg that well yet, but I've only heard positive things so far. I'm expecting a private tour from Eva."
... her wishes for daughter Charlotte:
Daughter Charlotte is not just a hitting partner for mum Tatjana. Tatjana Maria's sporting focus is no longer just on her own career. "More important than my own career is Charlotte's, building the best possible environment for her so that her dreams can come true." One dream would be for mother and daughter to once again compete together in doubles at a tournament. However, it is already clear that Charlotte should not copy her mum: "It looks like she has a completely unique style of play and it looks nothing like mine. She has a good hand, can slice and likes to go to the net."
... her unforeseeable career end:
Even because of Charlotte, Tatjana Maria is far from thinking about ending her career: "As long as I'm physically well, I'll carry on. Fortunately, I don't need so many breaks."
... her plea for more importance for sport - and for the Olympics in Germany:
"Unfortunately, sport is not as important to society in Germany as it is in the USA," says Maria. That's why she is all the more pleased that Hamburg is endeavouring to bid to host the Olympic Games: "I think an Olympic bid is great. If sport is supported more, if the focus is more on sport - that's very important."
She therefore sees the MSC Hamburg Ladies Open in a pioneering role, especially as more top events are needed in women's sport. Tatjana Maria is happy to lead the way as the German number one at Hamburg's Rothenbaum.
