35-Year-Old German Tennis Star Chases Down the Likes of Venus and Serena Williams as She Puts Her Age Aside to Thrive on the Court

Tennis is a sport that requires more physical effort and stamina than most. Players go through a rigorous regime to stay fit, and despite their maximum efforts, some still fall prey to injuries or fatigue. In contrast, players like Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and even Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams are winning tournaments in their 30s. Recently, another player has joined the same tenacious league.

With her recent progress in BNP Paribas Warsaw Open, Tatjana Maria has no plans of giving up soon. The German player returned to tennis in 2021 after giving birth to her second child. So far, her journey has been inspirational, having surpassed records set by many players younger than her. However, she is looking to earn a place beside the legendary Serena and Venus Williams, among other elites, with her recent records.

Tatjana Maria proves her mettle with hopes of reaching Serena Williams league

Elina Svitolina made headlines on making it to the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Championships this year, mere months after giving birth for the first time. While this was no mean feat, it had also been done before. After Tatjana Maria’s return from her second maternity leave, the German gem won her first 2022 title at the Bogota Open. In a dreamy run, the 35-year-old then made it to the semi-finals of SW19 as well. At the ongoing Warsaw Open, Maria once again reminded the world of her heroics.

The former Top-50 player of WTA beat her opponent Rebecca Sramkova in the quarter-final of the Poland Open. She won the match 6-3, 1-6, 6-1, making the list of the oldest players to enter a semi-final in a WTA tournament. Maria is 35 years old. And yet, she did not give up on tennis despite taking two maternity breaks. She now joins an elite list of WTA players to reach a semi-final in the last 40 years.

Maria is seven years older than Svitolina, making her the oldest player to nail a comeback in recent times. But she still has a long way to go to equal the record set by Serena and Venus. The iconic Williams sisters also claimed titles even after inching closer to the 40s – much like their predecessors in the sport.

READ MORE: 4 Years After Genuine Venus and Serena Williams Praise, Elina Svitolina Makes Genuine Idol Admission

Looking back at untiring American legends from the Williams sisters to King

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams claimed her last title at the Kaohsiung Challenger 2016 at the age of 35 years. Serena won hers at ASB Classic in Auckland when she was 38 years old. She also holds the record of winning 18 titles after turning 32 years old. The victories also included six Grand Slam titles.

However, the oldest player, male or female, ever to win a major tournament is Martina Navratilova. She won her last title, a mixed doubles at Wimbledon with Bob Ryan, at the age of 46. Closely following on her heels is Billie Jean King. The 79-year-old won her last title at the age of 40 at the Edgbaston Cup in Birmingham, UK.

King, Navratilova, Serena and Venus proved that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passion. Proving that limits are meant to be pushed, these women redefined tennis entirely. Do you agree? Or does anybody else stand out in your mind? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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