In a stunning upset on June 07, 2023, Beatriz Haddad Maia created tennis history by becoming the first Brazilian woman to advance to the semifinals at Roland-Garros in the Open era. Haddad Maia overcame Ons Jabeur with a remarkable 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-1 victory.
Ranked as the No.14 seed, Haddad Maia, who recently played the longest women’s match of the year, showcased her determination and skill to secure a spot in the last four.
This achievement marks the first time a Brazilian player has reached this stage in any Grand Slam since Maria Bueno’s appearance in the 1968 US Open.
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Haddad Maia’s opponent, Jabeur, had been considered the favorite, having previously defeated her in a quick match in April at Stuttgart. However, Haddad Maia’s unwavering performance and exceptional comeback surprised both fans and critics.
Expressing her gratitude, Haddad Maia said, “I’d like to thank everybody who came today to support me, especially the Brazilians. In Grand Slams, we have the opportunity to recover for one day, so I had a day off and an amazing team. This moment is the result of our year-long hard work. During the match, my coach showed me the clock in the middle of the second set, and I realized it had already been one and a half hours. I had to remain patient as Jabeur is one of the best players in the world. Today, I am incredibly happy with myself and my team.”
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For Jabeur, she said, “She’s a very nice person. This means a lot for us as women tennis players. She represents us both on and off the court. Playing against her is not easy; she can be streaky. I had to exercise patience, especially to maintain the rhythm of my shots throughout the two to three hours. I have always believed in my body, especially during lengthy matches.”
This historic victory has not only elevated Haddad Maia’s career but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring Brazilian tennis players and the nation as a whole. The Brazilian tennis star now stands on the cusp of further glory as she progresses in the tournament.
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