Tennis: After title coup, Maria wins as qualifier in London

Tatjana Maria, one year after her surprising title win at the WTA 500 tournament, has started the grass court season in London with a victory. The 38-year-old German player defeated Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-3, 6-3 in her opening match at the London Queen's Club.

Maria, from Bad Saulgau, demonstrated her strong grass-court skills in the 1 hour and 25-minute match. Despite her past success, she did not receive a wildcard for this year's tournament and had to qualify. She expressed happiness and relief after her win, admitting to feeling nervous.

As a clear underdog, Maria now faces top-seeded Jelena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in the round of 16. Last year, Maria had a sensational run at the tournament, securing multiple wins against top players and achieving the biggest success of her career by winning the title.

In other German success, Laura Siegemund also advanced to the second round. The 38-year-old from Metzingen beat Francesca Jones of Great Britain 6-2, 6-3. Siegemund is set to play against the second-seeded Amanda Anisimova of the United States.

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I am very happy and relieved. Because I was nervous.