Beatriz Haddad Maia is carrying the hopes of the Brazilian team at this week’s 2024 BJK Cup qualifiers. Ranked 13th in the world, she is the only player in the Brazilian camp ranked inside the Top-100.
After Haddad Maia, the highest-ranked player is Laura Pigossi, who currently occupies the 125th spot. The next highest-ranked Brazilian is Carolina Alves, who’s ranked 345th in the world. As the expectations fall heavily on Haddad Maia’s shoulders, she was in for a sweet surprise during the team’s practice session.
Beatriz Haddad Maia (Images via IMAGO/ screengrab X)
As the match is set to be played in Ginasio Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Haddad Maia‘s grandparents made their way to the training facility. Surprised by their presence, the player rushed to the sidelines and gave a kiss to both of them before returning to her training drills.
Both her grandparents were in their wheelchairs but yet made their way to cheer on the former World No. 10. The two stayed on for quite a while as the 27-year-old was seen engrossed in her practice match getting ready for the clash.
Brazil to take on two-time BJK Cup champs Germany
The Brazilian team will hope for a rousing reception during their clash as they are set to take on two-time former winners Germany. While the official website doesn’t mention the surface on which the match will be played, by the looks of Haddad Maia’s training video, one can assume it will be on clay.
Playing on clay will be beneficial, especially for Haddad Maia, who has a good record on the surface. Of the five rubbers, Haddad Maia will be playing in three of them, two singles and the only doubles match. In doubles, she will partner Luisa Stefani.
They will take on the German pair of Anna-Lena Friedsam and Angelique Kerber. Laura Siegemund and Tatjana Maria will turn up in the singles rubber for Germany.
Haddad Maia last played at the WTA-500 Charleston Open, where she lost in the second round. She will, however, hope to be in better shape on national duty as the winning team will reach the Finals directly. The losing team will get another shot to reach the Finals after coming through the Play-offs complicating their path.
