Tatjana Maria, a German professional tennis player, has recently captured the spotlight not only for her impressive performances on the WTA tour but also for achieving remarkable feats as a mother. On June 15, 2025, she won her first WTA 500 title at the Queen’s Club Championships, defeating Amanda Anisimova. At 37 years old, Maria became the oldest woman to win a WTA 500 event, solidifying her place among the iconic players who have successfully balanced motherhood and a professional tennis career.
Tatjana Maria: A Profile in Resilience
Born on August 8, 1987, Tatjana Maria (née Malek) turned professional in 2001. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated incredible resilience and determination, achieving a career-high singles ranking of world No. 42 in January 2024 and reaching No. 54 in doubles in June 2016. Maria has won three singles titles and four doubles titles on the WTA Tour, along with one singles title on the WTA Challenger Tour and numerous titles on the ITF Circuit. As of June 13, 2025, she has played 1242 matches, the third most in the Open Era, trailing only Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert.
Balancing Act: Family and Tennis
Maria’s journey is particularly inspiring because she has achieved significant milestones while raising two daughters, Charlotte and Cecilia. She took a sabbatical in 2013 to have her first child and returned to the tour in 2014. After giving birth to her second daughter in 2021, she continued to compete at the highest levels of the sport. This balance of family and career highlights the challenges and triumphs of women in professional sports.
A Defining Moment: Queen’s Club Triumph
Maria’s victory at the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships is a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication. As a qualifier, she upset several top players, including #4 Elena Rybakina, to reach the semifinals. In the final, she defeated Amanda Anisimova, securing her first WTA 500 title. This win not only marked her as the oldest winner of a WTA 500 event but also as the first women’s champion at Queen’s Club in over half a century.
Iconic Tennis Players: Mothers on the Rise
Tatjana Maria joins a distinguished list of tennis players who have achieved success after becoming mothers. These athletes have demonstrated that motherhood and a high-level tennis career are not mutually exclusive.
Margaret Court: A Pioneer
Margaret Court was a trailblazer, becoming the first mother to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era at the Australian Open in 1973. She went on to win the French Open and US Open that same year, proving that motherhood need not be an impediment to a successful career.
Evonne Goolagong Cawley: Wimbledon Champion
Evonne Goolagong Cawley won the Australian Open in 1977 after giving birth earlier that year. In 1980, she won Wimbledon, marking her as the first winning mum since 1914.
Kim Clijsters: A Remarkable Comeback
Kim Clijsters retired at 23 due to injury and gave birth to her daughter Jada. However, she returned to tennis and won the 2009 US Open as an unranked player. She successfully defended her US Open title in 2010 and claimed the 2011 Australian Open, balancing motherhood and a stellar tennis career.
Serena Williams: A Modern Icon
Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, became a mother in September 2017. Although her maternity experience was complicated by a pulmonary embolism, she reached four Grand Slam finals after giving birth, showcasing her incredible determination.
Victoria Azarenka: Top-Ranked Mom
Victoria Azarenka had her son Leo in 2016 and returned to the tour in 2017. She reached the US Open final in 2020 and is currently ranked as one of the top moms on the WTA tour.
Elina Svitolina: A Fierce Competitor
Elina Svitolina gave birth to her daughter Skai in 2022 and returned to the tour in 2023. She reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and the semi-finals of Wimbledon, demonstrating a strong comeback after motherhood.
Caroline Wozniacki: Grand Slam Champion and Mom
Caroline Wozniacki, a Grand Slam champion and former No. 1, had her daughter Olivia in 2021 and her son James in 2022. She returned to action and reached the fourth round of the US Open, proving that motherhood doesn’t diminish athletic prowess.
The WTA’s Pro-Family Initiatives
The WTA has implemented several initiatives to support mothers and mothers-to-be on the tour. These initiatives aim to empower women athletes to balance their professional careers with family planning.
Ranking Protection
The WTA offers ranking protection for players who take maternity leave. This allows them to use their ranking at the time of leaving for a period of three years to enter up to 12 tournaments. Additionally, returning players are guaranteed not to face another seed in the first round for their first eight tournaments.
Paid Maternity Leave
The WTA provides 12 months of paid maternity leave to support players during their pregnancy and postpartum period.
Fertility Procedure Safeguard
The WTA has introduced a new safeguard allowing female players to use a special entry ranking for up to three tournaments if they undergo a fertility protection procedure, such as egg or embryo freezing.
Childcare Facilities
While childcare facilities are available at Grand Slam tournaments, Tatjana Maria has advocated for more childcare support at other WTA events to better assist tennis moms on tour.
Challenges and Triumphs
Returning to professional tennis after pregnancy presents unique challenges. Players must regain their physical fitness, adjust to new family responsibilities, and manage the emotional demands of motherhood.
Physical Challenges
Pregnancy can lead to weight gain, changes in body composition, and hormonal shifts that affect athletic performance. Players need to rebuild their core strength, pelvic floor muscles, and overall fitness to compete at a high level.
Mental and Emotional Challenges
Balancing the demands of motherhood with the pressures of professional tennis can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Players may experience postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress related to childcare and family responsibilities.
Logistical Challenges
Traveling with children, arranging childcare, and managing family logistics while on tour can be complex and expensive. Players often rely on their partners, family members, or hired help to support them.
Benefits of Playing Tennis During and After Pregnancy
Despite the challenges, studies show that moderate exercise during pregnancy has positive effects on both the mother and the child. Tennis, being a moderate-intensity exercise, can improve cardiovascular fitness, well-being, and placental growth. Post-pregnancy, tennis can help new mothers regain strength, improve posture, and build stamina.
Tips for Returning to Tennis After Pregnancy
For athletes looking to return to tennis after pregnancy, several strategies can help ease the transition:
- Consult a Doctor: Obtain medical clearance before returning to play and follow a graduated training program supervised by a healthcare provider.
- Postpartum Exercises: Perform exercises to improve pelvic floor and core trunk strength, minimizing the risk of injury.
- Dietary Requirements: Consult a sports dietitian for specific dietary needs, especially for breastfeeding mothers.
- Proper Equipment: Wear a properly fitted bra to protect breast health and manage the demands of tennis and breastfeeding.
- Pace Yourself: Return to the court at a pace that suits both you and your baby, remembering that everyone’s experience is unique.
- Core and Pelvic Floor Exercises: Focus on rebuilding core strength and pelvic floor muscles to support the demands of tennis. Modified sit-ups and pelvic tilt exercises can be beneficial.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to fatigue, stress, or discomfort and adjust your training accordingly.
Conclusion
Tatjana Maria’s recent victory at the Queen’s Club Championships underscores her remarkable ability to balance motherhood and a successful tennis career. She stands alongside other iconic players who have demonstrated that motherhood and professional sports are not mutually exclusive. The WTA’s pro-family initiatives provide crucial support for mothers on tour, and with continued dedication and resilience, more women will be able to achieve their athletic dreams while raising their families. As Maria continues her journey, she inspires both her peers and the next generation of tennis players, proving that with hard work, dedication, and passion, it is possible to achieve greatness at any age.
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