Tatjana Maria and Serena Williams – Mums out to make their mark at Wimbledon

Serena Williams’ shock Wimbledon comeback means there will be at least two mums in the women’s singles at SW19 this year – and Tatjana Maria is eager to keep showing parenthood does not have to spell the end of your tennis career.

The 34-year-old German is set to step on court at the All England Club for the first time since giving birth to her second child Cecilia last April.

It meant Maria missed her favourite major of the year in 2021 but she returns this time knowing the omens are good.

Her best run at Wimbledon occurred seven years ago when she made the third round in her first appearance at SW19 as a mother following Charlotte’s birth at the end of 2013.

“My first one she is so happy to go back to show the little one the day care because it is the best day care,” Maria told the PA news agency.

“I love Wimbledon. Grass is my favourite surface, I try to play as much as possible and I just love to play Wimbledon.

“I am pretty confident with the surface and you have to be lucky with the draw because I am not seeded, but if I am lucky with the draw, I hope I can go pretty far and let’s see if I can do better than my third round this time.”

Maria will play in the Wimbledon main draw for a 10th time this summer and is excited to bring both her girls to the championships.

She returned to action within months of Cecilia’s birth but knows not everyone has the same circumstances, with her husband, Charles-Edouard Maria, also doubling up as her coach and now the coach of their eldest daughter, eight-year-old Charlotte.

My first (child) is so happy to go back to show the little one the day care because it is the best day care.- Tatjana Maria on Wimbledon

World number 106 Maria added: “I mean we chose a different life for both