By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, July 1, 2022
No words, just joy…
Germany’s Tatjana, a mother of two, remembers playing Wimbledon in the past when she was pregnant. Now the happy mom is into the round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time after an upset of fifth-seeded Maria Sakkari, 6-3, 7-5.
Maria’s daughters Charlotte, born in 2013, and Cecilia, born in 2021, are both in London enjoying the ride, along with her husband and coach, Charles-Edouard.
The 34-year-old German had not even won a match at a major since the 2018 US Open, but here at Wimbledon, on a surface she loved, she has thrived.
34 & 328 – Tatjana Maria is the oldest German female player in the Open Era to reach a Fourth Round in a Grand Slam tournament (at 34 years and 328 days). Perseverance.@WTA @WTA_insider #Wimbledon #Wimbeldon2022 pic.twitter.com/MIPG3ngobV
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) July 1, 2022
“It’s hard to find words, I mean I came here with my two kids for the first time, I was already so happy to be in the main draw,” the World No.103 said. “I mean, I love to play on grass. It’s such a special place here for me because even one year when I was in my first pregnancy, I played pregnant.
“I love to play Wimbledon and to make this happen with my family. There are now words for this – only joy.”
The kids were not inside No.2 on Friday, but rest assured, they were watching.
“They are jumping in front of TV,” Maria said, before thanking her husband and coach for helping her along on her incredible journey.
“I have to say my husband, he’s amazing,” she said. “I mean, without him, it would not be possible and he’s the one who believes every second in me. He’s here, he’s supporting me. He’s giving me the confidence. Without him, I wouldn’t be here.”
More important than her own career, which will continue with a round of 16 clash with Jelena Ostapenko on Sunday, is being an inspiration for her daughters.
Hello, fourth round 👋@Maria_Tatjana stuns No.5 seed Maria Sakkari 6-3, 7-5 to advance to a Grand Slam Round of 16 for the first time#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/49RCUjWpBc
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2022
“Now I try to really be a role model for my daughter, because she will be the next champion and so I try to show the best possible,” she said. To travel with my family to be the first time in the last 16 I mean, there are really no words for this feeling right now and I cannot wait to go over to them and to see my…
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