“Sabatini Applauds Haddad Maia’s Presence on the Big Stage”

South America’s Rising Star: Beatriz Haddad Maia
Former world No.3 Gabriela Sabatini reflects on the rise of Beatriz Haddad Maia, drawing parallels to her own journey in the tennis world. Sabatini, who made a breakthrough at 15 in Paris, sees Haddad Maia’s potential to surpass her own achievements, particularly at Roland-Garros.

High Praise for Haddad Maia
Sabatini expresses her excitement and admiration for Haddad Maia’s success, highlighting the Brazilian’s strong work ethic, focus, and mental toughness on the court. Despite not being a teen prodigy like Sabatini, Haddad Maia’s perseverance has propelled her to her first major quarter-final.

A Long Road to Success
Unlike Sabatini’s early success, Haddad Maia faced a more challenging path to Grand Slam success. Before her breakthrough at Roland-Garros, she had never advanced beyond the second round in a major. However, her determination and resilience were evident as she secured her place in the quarter-finals.

Potential for Further Growth
Sabatini believes that Haddad Maia has yet to reach her full potential and sees opportunities for improvement in her game, particularly in her net play. With her tall physique and left-handed style, Haddad Maia has the tools to continue evolving as a player and potentially achieve even greater success on the tennis court.