Champion Maria asks for respect after Queen's snub
Summary
Tatjana Maria, the defending women's singles champion at the Queen's tennis tournament, was required to play qualifying matches instead of receiving a direct place in the main draw. She requested that the tournament show more respect to its defending champions by granting them automatic entry.Key Facts
- Tatjana Maria won the Queen's tennis tournament last year as a qualifier at age 37.
- She became the first woman in 52 years to win the singles title at Queen's.
- Despite being the defending champion, Maria had to compete in qualifying rounds this year.
- Four British players with lower world rankings were given direct entry wildcards instead.
- Maria is ranked 52nd in the world, higher than all four British wildcard recipients.
- The tournament director allocated all wildcards to British players to support their development.
- The Lawn Tennis Association said giving wildcards to British players helps their growth and benefits the British tennis community.
- Maria expressed surprise and disappointment over not receiving a wildcard as a defending champion.
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