Queens 2026: Champion Tatjana Maria calls for ‘respect’

“What I did last year was amazing and to be the champion here, I thought I deserved a wildcard and to get some respect.”

“I did it last year, not five years ago,” Maria told reporters.

“(Tournament director) Laura Robson was surprised when I got the message that all the wild cards would go to British players, which I understand. But as a champion, it’s difficult for me.

“It’s something that should be normal. If you’re the champion of an event and you don’t make it the rest of the year, I think that’s something to be aware of.”

Maria, watched by her two daughters, became the oldest winner of the WTA 500 tournament, beating four top 20 players en route to the title.

She is ranked 52nd in the world – too low for a direct entry into the 28-strong main draw but ahead of each of the four British players who have been awarded a wild card.

This year’s honorees are Katie Bolter (world no. 73), Fran Jones (98), Harriet Dart (160) and Mika Stojsavljevic (261).

BBC Sport has contacted the LTA for comment.