Haddad Maia Stands Tall as Brazil’s Lone Survivor
Top seed Beatriz Haddad Maia kept Brazilian hopes alive at the São Paulo WTA 250, cruising past fellow countrywoman Laura Pigossi 6–1, 6–4 in a confident display of power and poise topped by an intense matchpoint to be found below these headlines. As the only Brazilian left in the draw, the World No. 27 shoulders the weight of local expectations heading into the quarterfinals. With her dominant baseline game firing, Haddad Maia looks every bit the title favorite on home soil.
Her victory was the only bright spot for Brazil in the Round of 16, as compatriots Ana Candiotto and Nicole Leme da Silva bowed out in straight sets. The tournament, however, remains rich with international flavor—each of the eight quarterfinalists hails from a different country, highlighting the WTA’s global reach and the depth of emerging talent.
Global Mix: Eight Players, Eight Flags
The quarterfinals present a fascinating tapestry of nations and playing styles. Joining Haddad Maia are Renata Zarazua (Mexico), Solana Sierra (Argentina), Francesca Jones (Great Britain), Alexandra Eala (Philippines), Janice Tjen (Indonesia), Panna Udvardy (Hungary), and Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah (France). It’s a rare sight—no two players from the same country—a reminder of how diverse and competitive the tour has become.
Among them, Zarazua backed up her growing reputation with a composed 6–4, 6–4 win over Turkey’s Berfu Cengiz, while Eala dismantled Argentina’s Julia Riera 6–1, 6–4 to underline her top-70 credentials. The Philippine star, now ranked No. 61, continues to impress in South America, showcasing a versatile game that transitions well between surfaces.
Surprise Packages and Rising Threats
The breakout story of the week may belong to France’s Rakotomanga Rajaonah, who stunned Fernanda Rodriguez 7–5, 6–1 to book her place in the final eight. Ranked outside the top 200, the 20-year-old is making the most of her moment on the WTA stage. Similarly, Indonesia’s Tjen demolished Maria Okalova 6–1, 6–0 in a ruthless display, signaling that she’s more than ready to take on higher-ranked opponents.
Elsewhere, Francesca Jones edged past American Whitney Osuigwe in a tense 6–4, 7–6 duel, while Solana Sierra dominated the opening set against Brazil’s Leme da Silva before closing 6–0, 6–4. With no clear-cut favorite beyond Haddad Maia, the title remains up for grabs, and the quarterfinals promise high-stakes tennis with no shortage of national pride.