NEW DELHI: Beatriz Haddad Maia reached a milestone on Saturday by becoming the first Brazilian woman in 44 years to qualify for the last 16 of the French Open. In a hard-fought match at Roland Garros, she won 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 against Ekaterina Alexandrova.
The 14th seed received plenty of vocal support from the stands as she emulated Patricia Medrado’s 1978 and 1979 feat.
“There are a lot of Brazilians here, I’m very happy and grateful for the support, it’s very special to be able to represent you all”, Haddad Maia said.
The 27-year-old broke into the Top 20 last year after winning back-to-back titles on grass in Nottingham and Birmingham, and reaching her first WTA 1000 final in Toronto.
Haddad Maia will face Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo in the fourth round on Monday.
The 14th seed received plenty of vocal support from the stands as she emulated Patricia Medrado’s 1978 and 1979 feat.
“There are a lot of Brazilians here, I’m very happy and grateful for the support, it’s very special to be able to represent you all”, Haddad Maia said.
The 27-year-old broke into the Top 20 last year after winning back-to-back titles on grass in Nottingham and Birmingham, and reaching her first WTA 1000 final in Toronto.
Haddad Maia will face Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo in the fourth round on Monday.
(With contributions from Reuters)
