The expression on Charlotte Maria’s face said it all.
The 10-year-old budding tennis talent, and daughter of last year’s Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria, looked around in utter amazement as she watched the pictures that told the story of the WTA’s origins. Billie Jean King then begins to describe how she and fellow founding members brought the WTA to life 50 years ago, in June 1973.
It’s all part of a powerful 50-second video celebrating 50Th On the anniversary of the founding of the WTA Tour, King asked, “What would you give? How would you change the game? Because we’re just getting started,” says Charlotte, looking straight into the camera with a big smile on her face.
Last December, the WTA launched a season-long „Just Starting” campaign to mark this special anniversary, and on Friday, King and several founding members reunited at London’s Gloucester Hotel, where they gathered 50 years ago and voted unanimously to found women’s tennis. Association.
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Charlotte, her younger sister and parents were front and center at the celebration, where a packed Cromwell suite featured King, Rosie Cassells, Betty Stowe and many legends recounting some precious memories of that historic meeting.
„It means a lot to me that I’m here because of Billie Jean King, we’re here and I think we should all celebrate this because it’s amazing for the women’s tour, for the WTA tour,” Tatjana Maria wtatennis said. com.
„I think I’ve already played a long time on this tour, my daughter started playing tennis, so I think we’re going to be here a long, long, long time. So I think it’s very important for my daughter to know the story of tennis and to be here today.
Charlotte is already a familiar face on tour, and Tatjana can always be seen hitting the court somewhere with her mother, even on days when she’s away for a match.
„I was so proud of her,” Tatjana said of Charlotte’s natural performance on camera for the campaign video.
„She loved it and she was so happy to do it. She’s so happy to be here. She already asked me if everyone would watch her video because it’s so good. I’m so proud to have her in this video.
Tatjana was named Comeback Player of the Year last season after her impressive return to the tour from her second maternity leave.
Last year, months after winning her second career title in Bogotá, the 35-year-old German became the first mother-of-two this century to reach a Grand Slam semi-final thanks to her Wimbledon run.
Maria is fresh off Wimbledon this season after successfully defending her Bogotá title and finishing runner-up at the WTA 125 tournament in Caipa, Italy.
„Wimbledon is always special for me, but it’s amazing to come back here especially after last year, all these positive feelings,” said Tatjana, who fell to Anse Jaber in the last four at the All England Club 12 months ago.
„Everyone still recognizes us, we do the same as we did last year, we go home every morning, we train with Charlotte, we see everyone again. It makes me very happy. On the other hand, it was already a year ago, but what happened last year is Makes me very happy and I hope to be able to continue this this year as well.
Tatjana has been an inspiration to many mothers on tour, as she and her family quickly adapted to suburban life, proving that it’s possible to step away and have a baby — more than once — before you come back to do what you do. love
Former World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki recently announced her comeback plans after retirement in 2020. And mother-of-two Wozniacki plans to return to the tournament in Montreal next month and has also secured a US Open wild card.
„I’m so happy for her,” Tatjana said.
„I already saw her at Roland Garros. Every day we were training indoors with Charlotte and she was there. So we knew a little bit that she wanted to come back. It’s good for tennis that she’s back. She has two kids now. And I think that’s what we need. .We need more moms on tour and I’m so happy for every mom that comes back.
Tatjana Maria begins her Wimbledon campaign on Tuesday against Sorana Cirstia.
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