Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia defeated Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain 7-6 (1), 6-2 in the first match of the new Hologic WTA Tour season in Group A of the 2024 United Cup. I won.
With this victory, world No. 11 Haddad Maia scored Brazil’s first goal in the tournament’s opening match, tying the match against Spain at 1-1 and setting up a mixed doubles match.
In their most recent previous encounter, it took Haddad Maia three hours and 51 minutes to defeat Sorribes Tormo in the fourth round at Roland Garros last year, the longest WTA match of 2023.
But on Friday in Perth, Australia, Haddad Maia was far more straightforward, taking two hours and six minutes to win and improve his overall record to 4-2 against No. 48 Sorribes Tormo. Haddad Maia went a perfect 5-for-5 on break points in this matchup.
Relying on a powerful left-handed forehand, Haddad Maia overcame Sorribes Tormo’s incredible foot speed to force a tiebreak at the end of a close first set.
The 27-year-old Brazilian almost fell behind by one point at 0-3 in the second set, but then came back in six straight games to win in straight sets.
Earlier, Alejandro Davidovic Fokina started the season with a comfortable win, dispatching Thiago Seybos Wild 6-4, 6-0 to give Spain an early 1-0 lead against Brazil.
World No. 26 Davidovic Fokina showed solid play from the baseline against No. 79 Sabos Wild, hitting the ball cleanly from both wings and outscoring the Brazilian. Davidovich Fokina won 79 percent (30/38) of his first serve points without facing a break point.
More to come…