"I am the mother in the team": Tatjana Maria shares her love for Team Germany at the Billie Jean King Cup

Tatjana Maria has shared her love of representing her country as part of Team Germany at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, while revealing the wholesome role she has among her compatriots.

World No. 57 Maria is part of the German team that qualified for the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup (BJK) Finals in Seville, Spain. This is far from her first time at the tournament, as she has ten years of experience at the event.

Unfortunately, Germany were ultimately eliminated from the event after losing their ties against Italy and France, with Maria having to retire from her singles match against the latter with a stomach muscle injury. Nevertheless, the German No. 1 opened up on the team's sweet dynamic and the importance of the BJK Cup to her.

"For me it is always something very special to play for Germany. I'm really enjoying being here at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals with this team. Every time I was nominated for Porsche Team Germany in the past, I was always there straight away without thinking about it for long. I'm very happy that we made it to Seville in this constellation. We have a very good team spirit and deserve this final," the 36-year-old said.

Maria also reflected on her favorite past BJK Cup event and spoke of her role in the team: "I immediately think of my first assignment in China. I was only 17 years old and this game will always be very special to me. When I came on, we had already lost the game. I was still nervous, but I was able to win the match for Germany in three sets. This positive experience set the tone for my career in the DTB team."

"I think that I also live the role of mother in the team. And I don't defend myself against it - on the contrary. Many people always ask me whether it bothers me that everyone sees me as a mom, but I love being a mom and I think it's a great role that suits me because I like to support everyone. The other girls know that they can always come to me, regardless of whether they are feeling good or bad. During the time with the national team, when my own daughters are not there, they are a bit like my children. I always have the urge to take care of her," she said.

Finally, Maria opened up on her feelings around being German No. 1 and reflected on her season as a whole: "I don't see that as pressure because the status of "number 1" doesn't play a big role in our team. We are all on equal terms and that is what makes us so strong and has brought us this far. The last victories have always been great team achievements for us. In every match, someone different stood out and secured the points."

"I'm happy with my season. Except for the Grand Slams, my year was really good. My goal at the moment is simply to continue to develop myself and my game, to stay healthy and to continue to have fun. That's why I'm still here, because I realize that there's still a lot left in it. That motivates me and as long as I'm fit and healthy, I'll keep going," she continued.