Tatjana Maria advanced to the 2026 Lexus Eastbourne Open final on Friday, after Jelena Ostapenko retired from the pair's semifinal match due to illness.
The 38-year-old German led 6-1, 1-2 when Ostapenko withdrew, citing a bout of heat stroke earlier this week.
Tatjana Maria Outplays Jenna Ostapenko Before Eastbourne Exit
Tatjana Maria controlled the match from the opening game, saving five break points before building a 3-0 lead in the first set. Her tactical slicing and precise court movement kept Jenna Ostapenko off balance throughout.
The Latvian committed 20 unforced errors compared to just three from Maria, before a medical timeout at 4-1 made clear the world No. 35 was struggling physically.
After Maria took the first set, Ostapenko broke early in the second. But Maria fought back before a rain delay interrupted play. Ostapenko did not return to court once the weather cleared up.
The result makes Maria the oldest finalist in Eastbourne Open history. She is also making her main draw debut this year, after previously bowing out during the 2025 tournament's qualifiers.
Ranked No. 112, the grass-court specialist has already knocked off No. 14 Jasmine Paolini and Tereza Valentova during her path to the Eastbourne Open final. She'll next face two-time winner Madison Keys in this weekend's title match.
