Wimbledon: Tatjana Maria extends dream run with win over Jule Niemeier

Mother-of-two Tatjana Maria continued her remarkable run at Wimbledon by securing a maiden semi-final appearance at the All England Club with victory over compatriot Jule Niemeier.

The 34-year-old fought back from a set down to win the all-German contest 4-6 6-2 7-5 in two hours and 17 minutes on Court One.

It meant Maria marched into her first major semi-final on her 35th appearance in the main draw of a grand slam to keep defying the odds in SW19.

Niemeier arrived at Wimbledon without a grand slam victory to her name and started this quarter-final tie well.

A powerful overhead volley helped secure a break in Maria's opening service game before the 22-year-old rocked back to produce a wonderful forehand winner on her way to an important hold.

While a 189kph ace saw the more experienced German player get on the board, Niemeier continued to show maturity beyond her years and claimed the opening set in 43 minutes.

The wide-ranging skillset of world number 97 Niemeier was on full display in the first game of the second set where another break was secured.

A stunning drop shot and perfectly-placed lob put the youngster on the verge of the break, which was secured with a backhand winner.

Maria had faced plenty of adversity on her run to the quarter-finals though, saving two match points against Jelena Ostapenko in the last 16, and came fighting back in trademark fashion.

It took her 57 minutes to create a first break point and while that was saved, the next was taken with a volley at the net on her knees.

With confidence flowing, Maria held with another ace before a double-fault by her opponent saw a big shift in momentum.

The early composure of Niemeier was now being tested and a decider was forced after a superb rally where Maria’s