TENNIS
Brazil’s number 1 tennis player said he wants to be a reference not only in the sport, but also with his attitudes off the court
Published on December 25, 2024 at 10:30 am
Bia Haddad started the pre-season with an eye on 2025 Credit: Reproduction/Instagram
Number 1 tennis player in Brazil and 17th in the world, Beatriz Haddad Maia stated that she hopes to be a reference for children not only in tennis, but also with attitudes off the courts and helping people.
“When we talk about reference, it’s not just in tennis. For me, this says more about character, about values, about how much we can leave a legacy and impact other people”, commented the São Paulo native in an interview with the channel NSports.
The 28-year-old athlete reached the top 10 of the WTA rankings and achieved important results this year, such as the title of the WTA 500 in Seoul, second place in the WTA 250 in Cleveland, in addition to the quarterfinals of the US Open and leading the Brazil in qualifying for the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, which will be played in 2025.
“I’ve been evolving more and more. I’m finding paths and ways and this ends up making me a reference. But, at the end of the day, it’s also about how I can help these girls or even the boys, even from a distance. It’s an exchange, They end up teaching me too. I’m excited to share the moment,” she said.
This Friday, Bia Haddad debuts at the United Cup, in Perth, Australia, in preparation for the Australian Open, in January. The Brazilian was excited to be part of the competition that brings together some of the best tennis players today, such as Alex de Minaur, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini.
“The United Cup is a really cool opportunity to try to unify the women’s and men’s circuits,” explained Bia. “It’s a more fun and relaxed competition, but everyone there is seriously preparing for the Australian Open, which is the main focus of the start of the season,” said the Brazilian, who will compete in the WTA 500 in Adelaide next.
The United Cup will bring together 18 teams divided into six groups. Each match will feature a men’s singles match, a women’s singles match, as well as a mixed doubles match. Brazil opens Group E against China and will then face Germany. The winners of each bracket and the two best runners-up advance.
