Beatriz Haddad Maia: The Journey of a Brazilian Tennis Player
Beatriz “Bia” Haddad Maia is a name that resonates with pride in the Brazilian tennis scene. Born in São Paulo on May 30, 1996, she became the first Brazilian woman to reach the top 10 in the WTA world rankings in both singles and doubles, making history in the sport. Her journey is marked by talent, resilience, and an unwavering passion for tennis, which has enabled her to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable feats. This article explores Bia Haddad Maia’s life, career, and impact on Brazilian and global tennis, highlighting her path from her first steps on the court to her triumphs in major tournaments.
Early Life and Family Influences
Tennis Roots
Bia Haddad Maia grew up in a family where sports were a tradition. Her mother, Lais Scaff Haddad, and grandmother, Arlette Scaff Haddad, were successful tennis players in Brazil, competing in national tournaments and inspiring Bia from an early age. At five years old, she picked up a racket, encouraged by her grandmother, whom she affectionately calls “Miminha.” This family influence was crucial in shaping her passion for tennis. The Haddad family, of Lebanese descent, brought a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in Bia’s determination and discipline.
First Steps in the Sport
Bia began training at Esporte Clube Pinheiros in São Paulo, one of Brazil’s premier sports centers. Her dedication was evident from a young age, and she quickly stood out in junior categories. At 14, she won her first professional doubles title at the ITF tournament in Mogi das Cruzes in 2010, alongside Flávia Guimarães Bueno. The following year, at just 15, she claimed her first singles title in Goiânia, showcasing promising talent that soon caught international attention.
Junior Career: Building a Strong Foundation
Success in the Junior Circuit
In the junior circuit, Bia reached the 15th position in the ITF rankings, demonstrating her ability in international competitions. One of her greatest achievements as a junior was reaching the doubles finals at Roland Garros in 2012 and 2013, partnering with Montserrat González from Paraguay and Doménica González from Ecuador, respectively. Although she did not win the title, these experiences at a Grand Slam prepared her for the challenges of the professional circuit.
Education and Balance
Beyond tennis, Bia always valued education. She completed a distance-learning degree in Business Administration from Estácio de Sá University, showcasing her ability to balance academics with her sports career. This multifaceted approach reflects her disciplined mindset, which would prove essential in overcoming future challenges.
Rise in the Professional Circuit
Early Titles and Recognition
Bia’s transition to the professional circuit was marked by victories in ITF tournaments, which served as a springboard for larger competitions. Her 2011 title in Goiânia marked the beginning of a series of successes in smaller events. However, it was in 2022 that she began to shine in the WTA circuit, winning her first singles titles in Nottingham and Birmingham, both on grass courts. These triumphs made her the first Brazilian woman to win a grass-court tournament since Maria Esther Bueno in 1968, a historic milestone.
Doubles Achievements
Bia also excelled in doubles, securing seven WTA titles, including the prestigious Madrid Open alongside Victoria Azarenka. In 2022, she reached the Australian Open doubles final with Anna Danilina, becoming the third Brazilian woman to contest a Grand Slam final, following Maria Bueno and Cláudia Monteiro. Her versatility in singles and doubles placed her among the world’s best in both categories, reaching the 10th position in the doubles rankings in May 2023.
Challenges and Resilience
2019 Suspension
One of the most challenging moments in Bia’s career came in 2019 when she was suspended for ten months after testing positive for banned substances during a tournament in Bol, Croatia. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) concluded that the substance came from contaminated supplements, and Bia was deemed to have no significant fault. Nevertheless, the suspension, which lasted from July 2019 to May 2020, was a tough blow. Her ranking plummeted to 1342, and she had to restart in smaller tournaments.
Bia faced this period with determination. In September 2020, after the resumption of competitions halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, she won four ITF tournaments in Portugal, including the Montemor-o-Novo event. This string of victories showcased her resilience and ability to overcome adversity, reigniting her career.
Injuries and Recovery
Another challenge came in November 2020, when Bia underwent surgery to treat a benign bone tumor in her left hand. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she returned to the circuit in 2021, reaching the top 100 in the world rankings. Her recovery was remarkable, and by 2022, she was among the top 15 players globally, solidifying her meteoric rise.
Historic Moments in Brazilian Tennis
Roland Garros 2023: An Unforgettable Milestone
In 2023, Bia made history by becoming the first Brazilian woman in the Open Era to reach the semifinals of Roland Garros. During the tournament, she won epic matches, including a comeback against the seventh seed, Ons Jabeur, in the quarterfinals, with a score of 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-1. Her campaign included the longest WTA match of the season against Sara Sorribes Tormo, lasting three hours and 51 minutes. Despite losing to world number one Iga Świątek in the semifinals, Bia entered the top 10 in the world rankings, an unprecedented achievement for a Brazilian woman since Maria Esther Bueno.
WTA Elite Trophy and US Open 2024
In 2023, Bia claimed the biggest singles title of her career at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, defeating Qinwen Zheng in an thrilling final that lasted two hours and 52 minutes. She also won the doubles title at the same event, solidifying her versatility. In 2024, Bia reached the quarterfinals of the US Open, defeating players such as Elina Avanesyan, Sara Sorribes Tormo, Anna Kalinskaya, and Caroline Wozniacki before falling to Karolina Muchova. This result made her the second Brazilian woman to reach the US Open quarterfinals since Maria Bueno, 56 years earlier.
Impact Beyond the Courts
Inspiration for Young Athletes
Bia Haddad Maia is more than an athlete; she is an inspiration for young Brazilians, especially girls, who dream of pursuing a career in sports. In interviews, she has expressed pride in representing Brazil and showcasing that tennis can be a platform beyond football. Her story of overcoming a suspension and injuries serves as an example of perseverance and dedication.
Personal Life and Interests
Off the court, Bia is a multifaceted individual. She has a passion for art, often sharing acrylic drawings and oil paintings on social media. “Art helps me stay present and step out of the tennis bubble,” she said. Bia also plays the guitar, an activity that relaxes her and complements her athletic life. Her connection to her Lebanese heritage, inherited from her family, is also an important part of her identity, reflected in family traditions like cuisine.
Commitment to the Community
Bia is active in social causes, using her platform to inspire and support initiatives that promote sports among children. She has expressed a desire to “make a difference in someone’s life,” whether through her performance on the court or actions off it. Her participation in the Fed Cup, where she has a record of 33 wins and 14 losses, demonstrates her commitment to Brazilian tennis.
Achievements and Statistics
Titles and Rankings
As of July 2025, Bia has won four singles titles and seven doubles titles on the WTA circuit. Her highest ranking was 10th in both singles and doubles, achieved in 2023. She has amassed over $7.18 million in prize money, according to the WTA’s official website. Her achievements include:
- Singles: Titles in Nottingham (2022), Birmingham (2022), Seoul (2023), and WTA Elite Trophy (2023).
- Doubles: Titles at the Madrid Open (with Victoria Azarenka) and other major tournaments, plus the Australian Open final (2022).
- Grand Slams: Roland Garros semifinal (2023) and US Open quarterfinal (2024).
Memorable Matches
Bia has defeated some of the world’s top players, including Iga Świątek, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and Maria Sakkari. Her victory over Świątek at the 2022 Canadian Open made her the first Brazilian woman to reach a WTA 1000 final, although she lost to Simona Halep.
The Future of Bia Haddad Maia
Goals and Dreams
Bia has ambitious goals. She has expressed a desire to become world number one and win a Grand Slam title. Additionally, the Paris 2024 Olympics were a major target, and she remains focused on representing Brazil in international competitions. Her mindset of constant growth keeps her motivated to evolve as an athlete and person.
A Legacy in the Making
At 29 years old, Bia Haddad Maia is at the peak of her career, but her legacy is already significant. She has opened doors for women’s tennis in Brazil, inspiring a new generation of players. Her story of resilience, talent, and passion for the sport places her alongside legends like Maria Esther Bueno, but with a unique path that reflects the challenges and triumphs of modern tennis.
Conclusion
Beatriz Haddad Maia is a symbol of resilience and excellence in Brazilian sports. From her family roots to her historic achievements at Roland Garros and the WTA, she has proven that talent, paired with determination, can overcome any obstacle. Off the court, her passion for art and commitment to the community showcase a complete athlete who not only plays for Brazil but also inspires the nation. As Bia continues to write her story, the tennis world watches in admiration, knowing that the best is yet to come.
