Beatriz Haddad Maia, also known as "Bia", was born on May 30, 1996, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Tennis is a family tradition for her, as her grandmother, Arlette Scaff Haddad, and her mother, Lais Scaff Haddad, are former players. It is through the maternal side of Haddad Maia's family that she has Lebanese ancestry.
Haddad Maia became the first Brazilian woman to reach the Roland-Garros semi-finals in the Open era in 2023, coming from behind to defeat Ons Jabeur before going out to eventual champion Iga Swiatek.
At 1.85m, Haddad Maia is one of the tallest players on the WTA Tour. The left-hander has two singles titles to her name - coming on grass at Nottingham and Birmingham in 2022 - as well as five doubles titles.
While the 2023 French Open remains her best run in a Slam event, she has beaten top players such as Swiatek, former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and 2023 US Open hero Coco Gauff. In May 2023, she became the first Brazilian woman to enter the top 10 of the world rankings.
You may like