Beatriz Haddad Maia: The Brazilian Tennis Star
Introduction
Beatriz Haddad Maia, affectionately known as Bia, is one of Brazil’s brightest tennis stars today. Born on May 30, 1996, in São Paulo, she has risen to prominence on the global circuit with her determination, skill, and fighting spirit. Standing at 1.85 meters tall, the left-handed Brazilian has won significant titles and broken barriers for women’s sports in her country. Her journey is defined by impressive victories, personal challenges, and an unwavering passion for tennis. At 29 years old in 2025, Bia continues to inspire fans worldwide, representing Brazil in high-level tournaments and contributing to the sport’s growth.
Early Life and Family
Bia grew up in a family deeply connected to sports. Her Lebanese heritage brought a rich cultural background, but it was tennis that united generations. Her mother, Lais Scaff Haddad, and grandmother, Arlette Scaff Haddad, were successful players in Brazil, competing in local tournaments and inspiring young Beatriz from an early age. Her cousins, Gabriela and Antonin, also pursued tennis, while her father, Ayrton Elias Maia Filho, was a former basketball player. Additionally, Bia is the niece of the renowned Brazilian singer, presenter, and composer Rolando Boldrin, who passed away in 2022, adding an artistic flair to the family.
At five years old, Bia picked up a racket, training at Esporte Clube Pinheiros in São Paulo. Her height and natural strength set her apart, but it was her dedication that truly distinguished her. She balanced training with academics, earning a degree in Business Administration from Estácio de Sá University through distance learning. This family and educational foundation shaped not only her career but also her resilience in the face of adversity.
Junior Career
Bia’s junior career was promising and filled with achievements. She reached No. 15 in the ITF junior rankings, showcasing early talent. In 2011, she advanced to the doubles semifinals at Wimbledon alongside Russian Mayya Katsitadze. The following year, she was a doubles finalist at the French Open with Paraguayan Montserrat González, repeating the feat in 2013 with Ecuadorian Doménica González.
At just 14, in 2010, Bia won her first professional doubles title at the ITF event in Mogi das Cruzes, partnering with Flávia Guimarães Bueno. In 2011, at 15, she claimed her first singles title at a $10,000 ITF tournament in Goiânia. These early successes fueled her transition to professional tennis, proving she was ready for bigger challenges.
Early Professional Career (2010-2014)
Bia turned professional in 2010, but her WTA debut came in 2013 at the Brazil Tennis Cup in Florianópolis, where she received a wildcard. She won her first main-draw match against Hsu Chieh-yu but fell in the second round to Melinda Czink. She also played doubles with Carla Forte at the event.
In 2014, Bia received wildcards for the Rio Open and Brazil Tennis Cup but lost in the first round of both singles and doubles. These years were a learning phase, with a focus on ITF tournaments to gain experience and ranking points.
First Successes and Injuries (2015-2016)
2015 marked Bia’s first major WTA title, in doubles, at the Copa Colsanitas in Bogotá, alongside Paula Cristina Gonçalves, defeating Irina Falconi and Shelby Rogers in the final. At the Rio Open, she reached the singles quarterfinals as a wildcard and the doubles semifinals, but a shoulder injury during the Pan American Games in Toronto required surgery, ending her season.
In 2016, Bia returned with a low ranking of 367 but climbed back with titles at $50,000 ITF events in Scottsdale and Waco, USA. These results set the stage for a breakout year.
Breaking into the Top 100 (2017)
2017 was a turning point. Bia won the $25,000 ITF event in Clare, Australia, in both singles and doubles. In Bogotá, she claimed her second WTA doubles title with Nadia Podoroska. During the European clay season, she qualified for the French Open and reached the second round at Wimbledon, losing to Simona Halep.
She reached her first WTA singles final at the Korea Open, falling to Jeļena Ostapenko, and won the $100,000 ITF event in Cagnes-sur-Mer, entering the top 100. Representing Brazil in the Fed Cup, she contributed to key victories.
Challenges and Hiatus (2018)
2018 began with a second-round appearance at the Australian Open, but injuries halted her progress. She played in the Fed Cup, winning five of six matches, but the year was dominated by physical recovery, leading to a temporary hiatus.
Suspension and Return (2019-2020)
In 2019, Bia reached the second round at the Australian Open and the semifinals at the Copa Colsanitas. However, in July, she faced a provisional suspension after testing positive for banned substances at a Challenger tournament in Bol, Croatia. In February 2020, she received a 10-month suspension for unintentional use, backdated to July 2019.
She returned in May 2020, focusing on rebuilding her career amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the global tennis calendar.
Rebuilding (2021)
2021 was a year of reconstruction. Bia won ITF tournaments and regained confidence, laying the groundwork for future success. Her ranking steadily improved, and she displayed growing maturity on the court.
Breakthrough in 2022
2022 was a game-changer. Bia won WTA singles titles in Nottingham and Birmingham, both on grass, defeating Alison Riske and Zhang Shuai, respectively. In doubles, she triumphed in Sydney with Anna Danilina and in Nottingham with Zhang Shuai. She reached the Canadian Open final, losing to Simona Halep, and the Australian Open doubles final with Danilina.
Bia surged 186 spots in the rankings, finishing in the top 20. Her record included 15 wins in 17 matches during one stretch, showcasing her consistency.
Peak in 2023
2023 marked Bia’s career high. She reached the French Open semifinals, becoming the first Brazilian woman in the Open Era to go that far at Roland Garros. She won the WTA Elite Trophy in China, defeating Zheng Qinwen in the final. In doubles, she claimed titles in Indian Wells and other events.
Bia entered the top 10 in June, the first Brazilian to achieve this in singles. Her Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) record was an impressive 33 wins and 14 losses as of June 2025.
Consolidation in 2024
In 2024, Bia maintained her high level. She won the Korea Open singles title, defeating Daria Kasatkina, and doubles titles, including Adelaide with Taylor Townsend. She reached the Cleveland final but lost to McCartney Kessler. Her record was 36 wins and 27 losses, with over $2 million in prize money.
2025 Season
As of August 2025, Bia faced challenges. Her singles record was 10 wins and 23 losses, struggling on hard courts (2-12). At the Australian Open, she reached the third round, defeating Erika Andreeva and Julia Riera. In Strasbourg, she made the semifinals, beating Emma Navarro after saving match points against Clara Tauson.
In Madrid, she snapped a nine-match losing streak. At the US Open, she defeated Sonay Kartal in the first round but lost to Marie Bouzkova in Monterrey. Despite struggles, Bia showed resilience, notably in her win over Navarro after prior losses. Her ranking was 22nd, with $1.2 million in prize money.
Playing Style
Bia is known for her aggressive, powerful game. As a left-hander, her serve and forehand are lethal weapons. She adapts well to various surfaces, succeeding on grass, clay, and hard courts. Her height aids her reach, and her fighter’s mentality shines in long matches. She prioritizes fitness to overcome past injuries.
Major Achievements
Bia has four WTA singles titles: Nottingham (2022), Birmingham (2022), WTA Elite Trophy (2023), and Korea Open (2024). In doubles, she has eight titles, including Sydney (2022) and Bogotá (2015, 2017). She reached finals in Grand Slams (Australian Open 2022) and WTA 1000 events (Canada 2022, Guadalajara 2022, Indian Wells 2023). Her career-high ranking was No. 10 in June 2023.
In the Billie Jean King Cup, her record is 33-14, with 12-2 in doubles. She is the first Brazilian to reach the top 10 in both singles and doubles.
Personal Life
Off the court, Bia is private. She lives in São Paulo and values family. Her business administration degree helps her manage her career. She faced controversy with her doping suspension but proved it was unintentional, returning stronger. Bia supports social causes and inspires young Brazilian athletes.
Legacy and Impact on Brazilian Tennis
Bia has revolutionized women’s tennis in Brazil. As the first top-10 player, she has opened doors for future generations. Her success encourages investment in the sport, and her Billie Jean King Cup performances strengthen the national team. She is a symbol of perseverance, showing that hard work can overcome obstacles.
Conclusion
Beatriz Haddad Maia is more than a tennis player; she is an inspiration. From a child in São Paulo to a global star, her story is one of resilience and passion. In 2025, despite challenges, Bia continues to fight, poised for new chapters. Her legacy is already etched in Brazilian tennis, and the future promises more triumphs.
