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German tennis player Tatjana Maria, 34, says it's good for tennis to have Serena Williams back as she revealed her little daughter Charlotte stayed up late to follow the American's first round match at Wimbledon. On Tuesday, Williams played her first singles match in 12 months.
Unfortunately for Williams, she didn't enjoy a winning return as she lost a tight battle to Harmony Tan. Tan, 24, edged out Williams 7-5 1-6 7-6 (7) in a three-hour battle. Williams lost but Maria has nothing but great respect for her as she says the American is the best example of how a player should fight on the court.
"I know her well, and it's great for tennis to have her back. She goes out on court and she will fight till the last point. Charlotte (Maria's daughter) was so excited watching her this week. She wanted to stay up and watch the match live.
It was super special to see what she means to the kids, to the next generation, to show them what it means to be a fighter and to go out there and to fight till the end," Maria said, per Sportskeeda.
Maria enjoying a strong Wimbledon run
On Friday, Maria upset fifth-seeded Sakkari 6-3 7-5 to reach her first Wimbledon last-16.
"The first time in the last 16, so that's already amazing," Maria said in her post-match press conference. "To win against Sakkari today, it's pretty awesome. I think I played a good match from the beginning to the end." Maria lost to Sakkari earlier this year and this time she entered the match believing she coudl beat the Greek.
"The match against Sakkari at the Australian Open gave me some confidence because I saw that I was super close," Maria said. "I knew that I have my chances. If I play clever and good, I can win this match." After upsetting Sakkari, another tough task lies ahead of Maria as she plays next Jelena Ostapenko. Maria and Ostapenko will be meeting for the first time when they clash at Wimbledon.