the premiere of Beatriz Haddad Maia as the top seed at Roland Garros deserved the Brazilian’s ‘new’ status. Current world No. 14, the 26-year-old from São Paulo was aggressive and gave the German veteran no chance Tajana Mariaof 35. Without ceasing to attack from start to finish, Bia made 6/0 and 6/1 and easily qualified for the second round of the clay court slam.

For her 12th participation in the main draw of a slam, Haddad Maia is trying, for the first time, to reach the third round, and she is favorite in Paris to break this taboo. Your next opponent will be the Russian Diana Shnaider, 19 years old, number 108 in the world ranking. Shnaider made her debut with a victory over Canadian Rebecca Marino (#81) by 6/3 and 7/5.

How did it happen

Most of the time, Maria played her usual game, based on a lot of slices, both right and left, and without generating as much speed, which gave the Brazilian time to position herself well for shots. and attack before his opponent. Soon it was clear that Bia would dictate the points and it would be up to her to shoot winners or unforced errors. The winners have come.

The duel began with a break of service, and the Brazilian shot in front, with total control of the actions. Maria even put the slices aside for a few moments, but nothing worked. Bia applied a tire in the first set, started the second with a break and left no room for a reaction from the veteran.

What this means

Monday’s victory is particularly significant as it is Bia’s first as a seed in a slam. Since her ascent to the top 30, the Sao Paulo native has been among the pre-seeded at Wimbledon and last year’s US Open as well as this year’s Australian Open. In the three events, he won only one victory (over Konjuh, #117, in New York, by a double 6/0).

Today’s performance showed a more consistent Bia, seemingly more prepared to deal with status and patronage. Roland Garros is a great chance for her to finally make it past the second round of a slam, and the debut, in the end, was the perfect start.

Bia’s potential is unquestionable and her results in smaller tournaments (two WTA 250 titles, a WTA 1000 final, a second place in 250 and another semi-final in 500) suggest that she can do the same in the majors. circuit events. Roland Garros could very well be the scenario where she finally makes this leap in her career.

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