Oldest since Billie Jean King: Maria defies ages to take W100 title
Germany’s Tatjana Maria was celebrating once again after winning the biggest title of the week on the World Tennis Tour at W100 Templeton in California.
For context, W100s are the highest classification of event on the women’s World Tennis Tour, offering the most ranking points, prize money and prestige for the winners.
The World Tennis Tour is often a mechanism for younger players to advance their journey along the player pathway, but the Tour continues to attract more established players whether in terms of age or standing.
At W100 Templeton, top seed Maria, who did not lose a set during the tournament or drop more than four games in a set, defeated home favourite Madison Brengle of the United States 6-3 6-4 in the singles final.
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Aged 39 years and 57 days, Maria is the second-oldest player on record to win a professional women’s singles title at or above W100-level after Billie Jean King, who won her final pro singles title in 1983 aged 39 years and 202 days.
In terms of the World Tennis Tour, Maria is the oldest player to win a women’s singles title since December 2012, when Japan’s Kimiko Date won her last professional title aged 42 at $75,000 Dubai.
The title was Maria's first World Tennis Tour – and second professional – title in 2026 and the 26th pro title of her long and distinguished career.
By winning the W100 Templeton title, Maria is projected to rise approximately 17 places from No. 84 to around No. 67 at the next rankings update on Monday 12 October – the exact ranking is dependent on results before then.
A full list of results from the World Tennis Tour can be found here