Tatjana Maria forced to qualify after wildcard snub

Defending champion Tatjana Maria has criticized tournament organizers at the Queen's Club Championships for not awarding her a wildcard, saying the decision showed a lack of respect for her title. The German player, ranked 52nd in the world, was forced to qualify for the main draw after all four women's singles wildcards were given to British players.

Maria, who won the inaugural women's event at Queen's last year in a remarkable run as a qualifier, expressed her surprise and disappointment. She said she received a message from tournament director Laura Robson informing her that the wildcards would go to British players. While Maria said she understood the rationale, she argued that as the reigning champion, she deserved automatic consideration. She described the decision as tough to accept and a matter of respect for the player and the achievement.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which owns and stages the event, defended its policy. A spokesperson stated that the LTA invests in these tournaments for the benefit of British tennis, aiming to give fans world-class international competition while also providing British players with opportunities to develop their careers and...