Tatjana Maria wins Queen's Club title at age 39
Tatjana Maria, now 39, defeated Elena Rybakina and Madison Keys to win the 2025 Queen's Club Championships.
Tatjana Maria defeated top players including Elena Rybakina and Madison Keys to win the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships. At 39 years and nearly two months old, the German veteran is now the oldest player ranked in the WTA top 100.
Her title run included victories over Rybakina, Amanda Anisimova, and Keys. This triumph on grass capped an extraordinary late-career surge for a player who made her WTA main draw debut nearly two decades ago in Luxembourg at age 19.
The evolution of Maria's game after motherhood
Maria's career transformed after she gave birth to her first child, Charlotte, in 2013. During her time away from the tour, she adopted the slice-heavy style that now defines her game.
She had never been ranked inside the top 60 before making that change. Since reinventing her game, Maria has won four WTA titles. She also reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon, proving the effectiveness of her tactical shift.
Maria's sustained success and records in 2025
After her Queen’s Club win, Maria reached a career-high ranking of world number 36 at age 37. Her 2025 season has been marked by consistent success across surfaces.
She reached another WTA Tour final in Eastbourne and made the semi-finals at the clay court tournament in Rouen. Maria also secured a WTA 125 title on the grass courts in Newport, Rhode Island this year.
Maria's place among tennis's ageless competitors
The current WTA rankings showcase a vast age range, from teenagers to veterans. Maria, at 39, sits at the top of that scale.
| Player | Age | Current Ranking | Tour | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatjana Maria | 39 years, ~2 months | 84 | WTA | Oldest in WTA top 100 |
| Novak Djokovic | 39 | 11 | ATP | Oldest in ATP top 100 |
| Mirra Andreeva | 19 | N/A | WTA | Youngest Grand Slam champ at 2025 Roland Garros |
| Lilli Tagger | 18 | N/A | WTA | One of five teenagers in WTA top 100 |
The WTA top 100 includes five teenagers, such as 18-year-old Lilli Tagger and 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva. On the men's side, Novak Djokovic mirrors Maria's longevity as the oldest ATP player in the top 100. Djokovic has been consistent in stating his desire to compete at the LA Olympics in 2028.
Reflecting on her journey, Maria said: "Maria does not appear to show any signs of stopping any time soon." She is currently competing at the ITF 100k event in Templeton, California.
