Tatjana Maria extends fairytale run: Leaves Madison Keys stunned to reach Queen's Club final

Madison Keys was surprised by veteran Tatjana Maria in the semifinals of the Queen's Club Championships. The German is the first finalist of the tournament after a notable 6-3, 7-6(3) victory. The qualifier from Germany has been impeccable in reaching her first final since the 2023 Copa Colsanitas, and first WTA 500 final in her career

Maria had previously shown her worth on grass courts when she reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon 2022. This time, she once again displayed her high level on the surface, defeating rivals like Leylah Fernandez, Karolina Muchova, and Elena Rybakina. She'll play for the title this Sunday.

In the first set, Maria showcased one of her great strengths: her return game. She immediately pressured her opponent, who struggled to win short points off her serve. The match started even at 1-1, and the German was the first to secure a break in Keys' second service game, converting her first break point. She then consolidated the break with her serve, taking a 4-1 lead.

The world No. 86 had a remarkable 78% first-serve percentage, winning 81% of those points, making it almost impossible for Keys to keep up when Maria was returning. Maria held on to her advantage with her serve and, without major issues, closed out the set on her second set point, 6-3, after 33 minutes of play. She won 71% of her service points compared to Keys' 63%.

The American remained in contention after the single break in the first set that had made the difference. The second set started calmly, reaching 2-2 with neither player getting a break opportunity. Again, Maria threatened her opponent's serve, earning a break chance in the fifth game, but Keys managed to hold on and stay ahead.

In the following games, both players had chances to break, but neither could convert. Everything remained even—with neither player conceding their serve—until 6-6, leading to a tie-break. Maria showcased what she had done throughout the entire match: great effectiveness with her first serve and forcing her opponent into longer rallies. Errors cost Keys dearly; she conceded her serve twice, and the German closed out the victory 6-3, 7-6(3). She'll play the final - her first in WTA 500 - this Sunday against the winner between Zheng Qinwen and Amanda Ansimova.