Tatjana Maria, the reigning champion of the Queen’s Club tournament, has voiced her disappointment at not being granted a wildcard to defend her title this week, asserting that her victory last year should have earned her greater consideration.
The German player was overlooked for a wildcard in favor of four lower-ranked British competitors, which required her to enter the qualifying rounds in London. A year after clinching the title at the age of 37, she successfully triumphed in two consecutive matches on Sunday to secure a spot in the main draw.
“I was pretty sure to get a wildcard, or I was hoping to get a wildcard, because I did it [win] last year,” she commented. “It was not five years ago. “I was surprised when I got the message of [the tournament director] Laura Robson saying all the wildcards would go to the British players, which I understand, of course, but as a champion, it’s tough for me [to accept]. I thought I deserved a wildcard. “You have to respect the player in general. It is something that should be normal. If you are champion of an event and you don’t get in the year after, I think automatically this should be considered. It’s something out of respect.”
“The response from everybody around was really huge when they knew I didn’t get the wildcard,”
“A lot of members here came to me and said: ‘Really, we don’t understand why you didn’t get the wildcard.’ “So it was super nice, from members, from players and from journalists, all around the world I got a lot of positive feedback. I was surprised about it and I was really happy that everybody said something to try to help me.”
Maria’s triumph marked a significant moment in the return of women’s tennis to Queen’s after 52 years. Surrounded by her two daughters, she embarked on a remarkable journey, defeating four top-20 players in succession to become the oldest WTA 500 champion. Notably, this victory came after she endured a nine-match losing streak prior to the tournament. Her achievement is commemorated with her picture displayed at an elite club that awarded her honorary lifetime membership after her success.
“The LTA owns and invests in staging these events for the benefit of the British game as a whole – so fans can see world-class international players from around the world, and support our British players, but also so British players are afforded the playing opportunities to progress their careers and climb the rankings. “We have seen British success at these events, and breakthrough wins, so there is clear value in giving British players these development opportunities.” she noted. “Yesterday was tough playing two matches in one day, especially on grass,”
“But it gives you time on the grass, because players at the beginning have not so much practice time. “It’s good for me to have the two matches in my bag to get the feeling better. I hope it’s going to help for the next matches.”
Currently ranked 52nd in the world, Maria has improved her standing by 34 places since last year, though this was still insufficient for direct entry into the tournament. The wildcards this year were awarded to four British players: Katie Boulter (world No 73), Fran Jones (No 98), Harriet Dart (No 160), and Mika Stojsavljevic (No 261).
An LTA representative stated.
“The LTA owns and invests in organizing these events for the benefit of British tennis as a whole—so fans can witness world-class international players and support our British players, while also ensuring that British players have opportunities to advance their careers and improve their rankings.”
Having successfully navigated through her qualifying matches, Maria is set to face former world No 3 Maria Sakkari in the first round on Tuesday, hoping that her recent exertions will play to her advantage.
“Yesterday was tough playing two matches in one day, especially on grass,” she acknowledged. “However, it allows you to gain time on the grass, as players at the start don’t have much practice time.”
“It’s beneficial for me to have those two matches under my belt to enhance my feeling on the court. I hope it will assist me in the upcoming matches.”
Dart caused an upset in the first round by defeating world No 35 Liudmila Samsonova in three sets, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. Meanwhile, Boulter’s match against Leylah Fernandez was suspended late last night, with the Canadian leading 6-3, 3-3.
