Beatriz Haddad Maia’s victory at last week’s WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai was the latest example of the Brazilian’s growing belief she belongs at the top of the game.
That’s the view of Wally Masur, the two-time Grand Slam semifinalist who said on this week’s episode of The AO Show podcast how much he enjoys watching the lefty play.
“It’s almost like later in her career, and she’s put all these wins together, she’s actually got the belief that she can match it with the very best players,” said Masur, a former world No.15.
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“When I watch Haddad Maia, I kind of appreciate her journey and how she’s worked to where she’s got to.
“It’s reward for effort over time, and that’s a huge way to finish 2023.”
Indeed, the victory – her biggest singles title to date – pushed the 27-year-old back inside the world’s top 20, and was made even sweeter by claiming the doubles title as well, with Veronika Kudermetova.
And it puts her back on an upward trajectory toward her career-high ranking of world No.10, which she achieved in June – making her the first Brazilian woman in WTA rankings history to enter this elite bracket.
HADDAD MAIA: Reigniting Brazilian dreams at Roland Garros
The WTA Elite Trophy singles final, against Chinese rising star and home favourite Zheng Qinwen, was an arm wrestle.
Haddad Maia managing to pinch it in two tiebreak sets, a classic match spanning almost three hours.
It was all the more meaningful given Haddad Maia arrived in Zhuhai having lost three out of four matches since freak hand injury in a hotel bathroom in Guadalajara.
But the Brazilian was able to recapture her best form and win her first title on hard court, without dropping a set.
It caps off a highly successful 2023 campaign for ‘Bia’, who achieved career best results at three of the four Grand Slams – including a semifinal appearance at Roland Garros.