German qualifier Maria triumphs at Queen's club

LONDON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- German qualifier Tatjana Maria defeated American world No. 15 Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-4 to be crowned at the Queen's Club Championships here on Sunday.

After winning two qualifying matches to reach the main draw of the WTA 500 event, 37-year-old Maria outplayed former US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez, former French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova, former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys in a row to reach the final.

"I'm a good example that even in my age you still can win big trophies. I'm super proud of myself that I could win this tournament," said the mom of two who celebrated the winning moment with her husband and two daughters alongside.

23-year-old Anisimova couldn't overcome Maria's sneaky slices.

"Her game style is really suitable for grass," said Anisimova, who beat China's top seed Zheng Qinwen in Saturday's semifinal. "It was really tough out there for me today playing against her. I guess I just wasn't so prepared."

Women's tournament was held at the Queen's club for the first time in over 50 years while the men's tournament is going to be unveiled next Monday. Top seed Carlos Alcaraz is drawn to face his Spanish compatriot Alejandro Davidovic Fokina in his first match on the grass this season on Tuesday. ■