It was the athlete’s second competition this grass season, in preparation for Wimbledon, which starts on the 30th of this month; The Brazilian came from defeat in the second round in Queen’s, in London
Principal favorite to the title in Nottingham, said goodbye to the debut of the level tournament played in England on Tuesday (17). The number 1 tennis player in Brazil and 21st in the world fell to the American McCartney Kessler, 42nd in the ranking, by the score of 2 sets to 1, with 7/5 and 6/7 (3/7) and 7/5 partials.
It was Bia’s second competition this grass season, in preparation for Wimbledon, which starts on the 30th of this month. The Brazilian came from defeat in the second round in Queen’s, in last week. She continues to compete in Nottingham, where she was champion in simple and pairs in 2022, now only in the double key, alongside German Laura Siegemund. In the round of 16, Kessler will be opposed to Chinese Lin Zhu, only 309th in the world, who defeated Russian Aliksandra Sasnovich by 2 sets to 0, partial 6/4 and 6/1.
Coming from a harsh defeat of turning last week, Bia Haddad started her debut at Nottingham at a good pace and was imposed on the first opponent’s service game: 2/0. The advantage, however, was short lived. The Brazilian and the American started a series of withdrawal breaks, in which Bia even led by 3/1 and 4/2 before suffering the turn 7/5.
The second set had more stable services on both sides. The balance predominated in ball exchanges, with break points saved without further drama. In the final stretch of partial, Bia needed medical attention on the court. She showed discomfort in her left hand and changed healing on one of her fingers. Even so, he closed 7/6 (7/3).
Even still showing discomfort, Bia returned more aggressive in the decisive set and got a break in the third game, opening 3/1 following. The advantage, however, decreased again. The American grew up in the match, equaled the actions and took the definition to the final moments. The Brazilian still resisted, but ended up with the broken withdrawal in the last game and lost the partial 7/5.
*With information from Estadão Content
Posted by Nátaly Tenório
