Maria uses Keys to open Queen’s final door; Zverev sets up title showdown with Fritz

German veteran Tatjana Maria defied the oddsto move into the biggest final of her career when she stunned second seed and Australian Open champion Madison Keys 6-3 7-6(3) at the Queen's Club Championships on Saturday.

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The unseeded Maria came into the tournament carrying the burden of nine straight losses with many wondering if the 37-year-old mother of two was a spent force.

But she put those doubts to bed on the lush green surface at the Andy Murray Arena, where she has now knocked out two Grand Slam champions in back-to-back matches.

Having upset former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals, Maria will now play Amanda Anisimova for the trophy after the American beat top seed and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.

“Oh my God, to be honest, I cannot believe it. It’s a dream come true. It's amazing to play here in front of you all, it's such a special place. I could not wish a better tournament to be in the final and I'm so, so proud,” a smiling Maria said.

“You never can stop, doesn’t matter how it goes. I think I'm a really good example for this. I had my ups and downs, but you always have to keep going.