The sixth-seed player made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle after a challenging start to the season, continuing to lead the way for Brazilian tennis.
Beatriz Haddad Maia (Credits: Tennis.com)
Ranked 13th in the world, she has begun her campaign at the prestigious tournament in Abu Dhabi on a positive note. The WTA-500 event showcases top-notch tennis talent from around the globe. In her first-round match, the Brazilian faced off against a formidable opponent from China and emerged victorious with a score of 6-2, 7-6(4).
Last year, Maia showcased her skills as one of the four semi-finalists, narrowly missing out on the championship title. She has garnered a strong fan base in various locations, and Abu Dhabi is no exception. The 27-year-old engaged in a closely contested battle against Wang, ultimately prevailing by a narrow margin. This victory serves as a promising start to her campaign in the tournament.
Prior to her match against Wang, Maia had a win-loss record of 3-3. She suffered defeat in the United Cup, contributing to Brazil’s early exit from the group stages after losing both matches. She also faced disappointment at the Adelaide Open, where she was eliminated in the first round by an opponent. However, her determination to secure a win propelled her to the second round in Abu Dhabi. The support she received from the crowd was overwhelming, and she graciously acknowledged it after her triumph.
Bia Haddad Maia after her 1st round win in Abu Dhabi: “Brazilians are everywhere. I always say that 😂 it’s amazing to represent far away from home. We are lot of weeks far away. I feel special to be a woman from South America representing all of them. It’s a privilege.” 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/d47FKSJeTy
Following her recent victory, Maia must now await the announcement of her second-round opponent, which will be determined tomorrow. As the sixth seed, she finds herself in the lower half of the tournament bracket. Her next match will be against the winner of the match between two other players.
In a separate development, a thrilling clash unfolded in the first round as triumphed over , setting the stage for an exciting second-round encounter. The British player will now face off against the second-seeded competitor. The Tunisian player received a bye in the first round. If Maia successfully advances past the second round, she may potentially face either Jabeur or Raducanu in the third round.
While Linette’s recent form has been lackluster, Eala, an 18-year-old ranked 187th, has earned a spot in the main draw through a wildcard entry. Her match against Linette will mark her debut on the WTA Tour this season. This presents a favorable opportunity for Maia to capitalize on and make a strong run in Abu Dhabi.