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Tatjana Maria powers her way to 1st Grand Slam semi at Wimbledon

London, Jul 5 (EFE).- Tatjana Maria on Tuesday fought her way to her maiden Grand Slam semifinal appearance as she rallied from a set down to defeat Jule Niemeier in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.

Maria emerged victorious from an all-German clash that lasted two hours and 18 minutes 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, rallying from a break down in the second and third sets.

The victory moves the 34-year-old a step closer to becoming only the second mother to win the title.

“I have goosebumps everywhere. That was a tough match. I think today we made Germany proud,” the 103rd-ranked player said afterwards.

“It’s a dream to live this with my family and my two little girls. Just over a year ago, I gave birth. It’s crazy,” Maria added.

Maria got off to an unfortunate start, dropping her first serve which proved to be decisive in the first set.

The second set seemed to be a carbon copy as Maria lost her first service game, but she immediately hit back to level at one game apiece. She earned a further two breaks to force a decider.

In the third set, Maria found herself trailing 3-2 and a service break down but she fought back first to draw level at 4-4 and then clinch the victory on her opponent’s serve in the 12th game.

“When I went on the court I was starting pretty nervous. I was really nervous. But, thank God, I came down and I find a little bit my game,” she said.

“At the end we had an amazing match. It was amazing how at the end we shaked hands, gave each other a hug, and she was reacting amazing,” she added.

Aiming to follow in the footsteps of Evonne Goolagong – the first woman to win Wimbledon after giving birth – the German will take on either third-seed Ons Jabeur or Marie Bouzkova for a spot in the final. EFE

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