By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, July 1, 2022
No words, just joy…
Germany’s Tatjana, a mother of two, remembers playing Wimbledon in the past when she was pregnant. Now the happy mom is into the round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time after an upset of fifth-seeded Maria Sakkari, 6-3, 7-5.
Maria’s daughters Charlotte, born in 2013, and Cecilia, born in 2021, are both in London enjoying the ride, along with her husband and coach, Charles-Edouard.
The 34-year-old German had not even won a match at a major since the 2018 US Open, but here at Wimbledon, on a surface she loved, she has thrived.
“It's hard to find words, I mean I came here with my two kids for the first time, I was already so happy to be in the main draw,” the World No.103 said. “I mean, I love to play on grass. It's such a special place here for me because even one year when I was in my first pregnancy, I played pregnant.
“I love to play Wimbledon and to make this happen with my family. There are now words for this – only joy.”
The kids were not inside No.2 on Friday, but rest assured, they were watching.
“They are jumping in front of TV,” Maria said, before thanking her husband and coach for helping her along on her incredible journey.
“I have to say my husband, he's amazing,” she said. “I mean, without him, it would not be possible and he's the one who believes every second in me. He's here, he's supporting me. He's giving me the confidence. Without him, I wouldn't be here.”
More important than her own career, which will continue with a round of 16 clash with Jelena Ostapenko on Sunday, is being an inspiration for her daughters.
“Now I try to really be a role model for my daughter, because she will be the next champion and so I try to show the best possible,” she said. To travel with my family to be the first time in the last 16 I mean, there are really no words for this feeling right now and I cannot wait to go over to them and to see my kids.”
Emotional Watson Breaks Through
Maria wasn’t the only feelgood story on Day 5 at Wimbledon. Brit Heather Watson, 30, also powered into the round of 16 at a Slam for the first time. The woman who once led Serena Williams by a break in the third set in the third round at Wimbledon (2015), is playing in her 43rd Slam.
She defeated Kaja Juvan, 7-6(6), 6-2, to set a clash with Germany’s Jule Niemeier in the round of 16.
Niemeier, playing in her second major, is also into the second week at a Slam for the first time – on her Wimbledon debut.
The wide open lower half of the women’s draw has truly become a land of opportunity.