Brazilian Tennis Player Beatriz Haddad Maia Makes History at Roland Garros

This article was last updated on June 7, 2023

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Brazilian Tennis Player Makes History at Roland Garros

Beatriz Haddad Maia, a 25-year-old tennis player from Brazil, has made history at the French Open by reaching the semi-finals of a Grand Slam tournament. This is a major achievement for Brazilian tennis, as no woman from the country had ever advanced to the final four in singles competition at Roland Garros. The last time a Brazilian made it to the semi-finals of a Grand Slam was in 1968.

Stunning Comeback Against Ons Jabeur

Haddad Maia secured her place in the semi-finals by defeating Ons Jabeur in a grueling three-set match. After losing the first set 3-6, Haddad Maia staged a stunning comeback, winning the second set tiebreak 7-6(5) and then dominating the final set 6-1.

Talent and Resilience on Display

The victory showcased Haddad Maia’s talent and resilience as a tennis player. She struggled with her service game in the first set, winning just 10 of her 26 save points. However, she regrouped in the second set, winning the tiebreak and then taking control of the match in the final set. Haddad Maia’s ability to adjust her game and stay focused under pressure was critical to her victory.

First Semi-final Appearance at Grand Slam

Before her impressive showing at the French Open, Haddad Maia had never advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam tournament. Her performance in Paris has been a breakthrough for her career, propelling her into the top ten rankings for the first time. This is a remarkable achievement for a player who fell out of the rankings due to a doping suspension just three years ago.

Women’s Semi-final Matchups

Tennis Legend Maria Bueno’s Legacy

Haddad Maia’s historic run at the French Open has brought attention to the legacy of Brazilian tennis legend Maria Bueno. Bueno reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 1968 and the semi-finals at the US Open. Bueno’s success paved the way for other Brazilian players to follow in her footsteps, including Gustavo Kuerten, who won three titles at Roland Garros in the early 2000s.

Jabeur Falters in Third Set

Jabeur, the seventh seed at this year’s French Open, played well in the early part of the match, dominating the rallies and hitting more winners than Haddad Maia. However, she began to make unforced errors and lose focus as the match wore on. In the third set, a frustrated Jabeur kicked the ball away after a serve that was called in, giving Haddad Maia a crucial break point.

Mixed Results for Matwé Middelkoop

Dutch player Matwé Middelkoop had mixed results at the French Open. He and his Indonesian partner Aldila Sutjiadi lost in the mixed doubles semi-finals to Miya Kato of Japan and Tim Pütz of Germany. However, Middelkoop is still in contention for the men’s doubles title, having advanced to the semi-finals with his German partner Andreas Mies.

Conclusion

Beatriz Haddad Maia’s breakthrough at the French Open has inspired tennis fans in Brazil and around the world. Her talent, resilience, and determination have been on full display, and she has shown that anything is possible with hard work and determination. As she prepares for her semi-final match, Haddad Maia is proving that she belongs among the best players in the world.