French Open 2023: Haddad Maia Creates History; First Brazilian Woman to Reach Semis

Having defeated seventh-seeded Jabeur by scores of 3-6, 7-6(5), and 6-1, Haddad Maia became the very first Brazilian woman to reach to the last-four round at Roland-Garros in the Open Era.

At the French Open on Wednesday, Beatriz Haddad Maia overcame a set deficit to defeat Ons Jabeur and advance to the first Grand Slam semifinal of her career. Having failed a drug test, 14th-seeded Haddad Maia, was temporarily suspended in the year 2019.

Results of the day 

With a 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-1 victory against seventh-seeded Jabeur on Court Philippe-Chatrier in two hours 29 minutes, Haddad Maia ended up being the first Brazilian woman to advance to the last-four phase at Roland-Garros in the Open Era. She will next compete against either the previous year's runners-up Coco Gauff or two-time winner Iga Swiatek in the semifinals.

The second semifinal features unseeded Czech player Karolina Muchova taking on world No. 2  Belarushian Aryna Sabalenka.

Astonishing Achievement 

As the first Brazilian woman to make it to a Grand Slam semifinal since 1968, Beatriz Haddad Maia notched another comeback victory at the French Open.

In 1968, Maria Bueno made it to the US Open semifinals after making it to the final four in the 1966 French Open.

Brief insight into the match 

Against the seventh-seeded Jabeur on Court Philippe Chatrier, Maia recovered from a sluggish start. Maia won just one of her service games in the first set after spending nearly four hours against Sara Sorribes Tormo in the fourth round. The only two break points she faced in the second set were both in the 11th game, which she saved to take the lead at 6-5 and win the tiebreaker.

The 27-year-old Brazilian took a 3-0 lead after a double break to begin the decisive set. Jabeur, who was behind 4-1, sent a straightforward backhand wide on a break-point opportunity and flipped her racket in frustration. Haddad Maia prevailed in the end of the intense contest.