A Tough Start to the 2025 Tennis Season
The 2025 tennis season kicked off with the United Cup, a tournament that pits countries against each other in a series of intense matches. For the Brazilian tennis player Beatriz Haddad Maia, the first day of the season was a grueling and painful experience. Ranked at No. 17, she was one of the favorites in her match against Gao Xinyu, ranked 175th. However, the match quickly turned into a battle of endurance and resilience, with Haddad Maia facing severe physical challenges on the court.
Cramping and Underarm Serves
During the third set of the match, Haddad Maia began to cramp severely. The pain was so intense that she could no longer serve overarm, a fundamental part of tennis play. Despite the excruciating discomfort, she was forced to serve underarm, a rare and often humbling move in professional tennis. The cramps, classified as a conditioning issue rather than an injury, meant that Haddad Maia could not take a medical timeout. She had to soldier on, receiving treatment only during changeovers. This moment of vulnerability highlighted the physical demands of the sport and the mental fortitude required to push through such adversity.
A Marathan Match
Haddad Maia’s match against Gao Xinyu was a three-set ordeal that lasted three hours and 22 minutes, making it the longest women’s match ever played at the United Cup. The 28-year-old Brazilian had taken the first set 7-5, but Gao leveled the match by winning the second set 6-4. The third set was a true test of willpower and endurance. Despite leading 4-3, Haddad Maia struggled with cramps and was eventually broken back to 4-4. Gao, also showing signs of physical distress with strapping around her left knee, ultimately prevailed, winning the third set 7-5.
A Reputation for Endurance
Haddad Maia has built a reputation for being involved in marathon matches. According to tennis author Bastien Fachan, this was her 15th match to last three hours or longer since 2022. Her ability to push through physical and mental challenges has made her a respected figure in the tennis world. However, the intensity of her matches often leaves her drained and in pain, as was evident during her encounter with Gao Xinyu. This match was a testament to her resilience and determination, even in the face of overwhelming physical difficulty.
Brazil’s Hard Task
With Haddad Maia’s loss to Gao, the pressure fell on Thiago Monteiro to keep Brazil’s hopes alive in the tie. He faced off against Zhang Zhizhen, a Chinese star who was also in top form. The second match was a stark contrast to the first, with Zhang dominating Monteiro 6-3, 6-0 in just 56 minutes. The quick and decisive win secured the tie for China, dealing a significant blow to Brazil’s chances in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
As the United Cup progresses, Brazil will face Germany in their next match. The team will be hoping for a quick recovery for Haddad Maia, whose absence would be a significant loss. On the other hand, China, having secured a clean sweep in their first tie, will face Germany in the night session on Monday. The United Cup continues to provide a platform for fierce competition and memorable performances, with players like Haddad Maia exemplifying the spirit of the sport.
