Tatjana Maria produced a thrilling comeback against Jule Niemeier to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon. The German star was ranked outside the world’s 250 back in March and this is by far her best showing at a Grand Slam. However, the 34-year-old has defied the odds all tournament and continued her stunning run with a 4-6 6-2 7-5 victory over her compatriot. Maria’s story is fascinating and one that may not be familiar to many. Here’s everything you need to know.

Who is Maria? 

Maria turned professional in 2001 but achieved a career-high ranking of 46th back in November 2017. 

The 34-year-old has made 12 appearances for Germany in the Billie Jean King Cup and won two WTA titles so far. 

Up until this tournament, Maria had played at 46 Grand Slams but reached beyond the second round on just one occasion. 

The German is also a mother of two and gave birth to her second daughter, Cecilia, in April 2021. 

Just over a year later, Maria is playing the best tennis of her career and says the past 10 days have been surreal so far. 

"It's a dream to live this with my family, to live this with my two girls. Almost one year ago I gave birth, it's crazy," Maria said.

"I have goosebumps everywhere. I think today we made Germany really proud after our match."

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Maria joins elite club

Maria is just the sixth woman in the Open era to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon after turning 34. 

Even more remarkable is that she’s beaten a number of quality opponents along the way. 

In the second round the German saw off 26th seed Sorana Cirstea. In her next match, she effortlessly defeated world number five Maria Sakkari. And in the last 16, Maria beat pre-tournament contender Jelena Ostapenko in three sets. 

Two-time Grand Slam Tracy Austin called Maria's run a “fairytale” and described her performance as “extraordinary.” 

Tatjana Maria

Friendship with Jabeur

Maria could face Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the next round. Jabeur is seeded third for the competition and faces Marie Bouskova in the quarter-finals. 

The German revealed that Jabeur is a good friend of hers and regularly plays with her kids.

"She is part of my family,” Maria said. “ She loves my kids, she is playing with them every day. 

"It would be great to play her, we never know. But I am only happy that I am in a semi-final now."