Tatjana Maria is looking forward to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix
Tatjana Maria lives with her family in West Palm Beach. The move to sunny Florida hasn't changed anything about their close relationship with the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. In an interview with the Porsche Newsroom, the Porsche Team Germany player, who grew up in Bad Saulgau in Swabia, says: “Even as a child, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix was something special for me. It is my home tournament and always will be.”
by p.m
last edit:
Apr 06, 2023, 04:05 pm
Tatjana, you last played at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in 2012. What memories do you have of the tournament?
“It was something special for me from an early age. As a child I once won the LBS Cup as part of the tournament, back then in Filderstadt, and we were honored on Center Court. That was an unforgettable experience. That's why I'm very happy about the wildcard and the opportunity to play in the Porsche Arena again after so many years. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is my home tournament and always will be.”
What significance does the event have for you and the other players on the tour?
"It's one of the best tournaments of the year. The incredible starting field alone shows that. Everyone wants to play in Stuttgart, and not just because the winner gets to take a Porsche home. The strong cast is a challenge, but also a great motivation. Everyone knows: To win in Stuttgart, I have to beat the best players in the world.”
The game is played on sand in the Porsche Arena. What do you think is possible for you?
“As far as I can remember, I never got past the first lap in Stuttgart. So I will try everything to do better this time. I feel fit and I think the clay court in the Porsche Arena suits me quite well, even if it's not my favorite surface. But last year I won the tournament in Bogota on clay. So I hope that I can also cope well with the conditions in Stuttgart.”
In Wimbledon you created a tennis fairy tale last year. How much is this experience still present in your thoughts?
“Those were two incredible weeks. A single fight. Every match was extremely close. And then to be in the semi-finals, that was a dream. The best thing was that I was able to experience all of this together with my family, with my husband and my daughters Charlotte and Cecilia. That will remain unforgettable forever.”
When you are on the tour, your family is always with you. How important is that to you?
“My family is the most important thing in the world for me. I enjoy traveling with my husband and children.”
Doesn't the workload as a tennis pro and mother sometimes get to be too much for you?
"No, on the contrary. I can't think of anything nicer. We are all very relaxed, never stressed. Anyone who has children of their own knows that things are not always perfect. But that's the beauty of it. It's great to have family around. My husband agrees, that's why it works so well."
For your daughter Charlotte you are not only a mother, but also a teacher. How does this work?
"I'm fortunate to have a mom who's actually a teacher. I can always ask them for advice if needed. Charlotte is studying at an online school in Florida. So I just turn on the computer and do what the teacher tells me. Sometimes she also calls and takes a test with Charlotte. It works perfectly, so we can also travel together.”
At the age of nine, Charlotte already plays tennis very well. You once said you would continue until she played on the tour.
"Let's see, maybe I'll really play that long. The most important thing is that I have fun, I'm fit and my body cooperates. Everything is going great at the moment.”
Before the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, you will play against Brazil in the Billie Jean King Cup with Porsche Team Germany. Are you a team player?
"In any case. I grew up in team sports. My parents played handball, my father even as a professional, and I also played handball for a long time. I love being part of the team. We're a really cool group right now, we get along really well. That's important to be successful."
What is most important in a team competition?
“What matters is that everyone is there for each other, that we stick together as a team. This is what we do. That's why I'm very confident that against Brazil we have a good chance of qualifying for the final round. Even if it's not an easy opponent. Either way, this encounter in the Porsche Arena is definitely good preparation for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.”
In the Porsche Arena you will be supported by family and friends from your old homeland. How much are you looking forward to it?
“It will definitely be a very special experience. My family still lives in Bad Saulgau, and it's a great feeling for me that they're seeing me play live again. Everyone will come, from grandma to uncle and aunt. I am really looking forward to this. For me, this is a huge incentive to show my best tennis."
To person
Tatjana Maria was born on August 8, 1987 in Bad Saulgau. She is married to Charles Maria, who is also her coach, and has two daughters: Charlotte (*2013) and Cecilia (*2021). So far she has won two WTA tournaments, in Mallorca in 2018 and in Bogota in 2022. Her greatest career success was her semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2022. She is currently 66th in the world rankings. In 2022 she was awarded the “Comeback of the Year” by the WTA.