In an exhilarating match that lasted 2 hours and 51 minutes, Beatriz Haddad Maia emerged victorious in the WTA Elite Trophy, claiming her third career tour title. The Brazilian player faced off against the seventh-seeded Zheng Qinwen in a tight battle. Haddad Maia displayed her resilience and skill, ultimately defeating Zheng with a score of 7-6 (11), 7-6 (4). This remarkable victory brought an end to Zheng’s impressive eight-match winning streak.
Throughout the tournament, the 19th-ranked Haddad Maia demonstrated her unwavering determination, achieving four consecutive straight-set victories. She began her journey by causing an upset in the opening round, defeating the second-seeded Madison Keys. Haddad Maia continued her impressive run by conquering Caroline Garcia and 17th-ranked Daria Kasatkina in the semifinals. Maintaining her flawless record, she clinched her first title on hard courts since her triumph in Birmingham back in 2022.
For Haddad Maia, her exceptional performance in Zhuhai signified a significant return to form. The 2023 French Open semifinalist had endured a challenging run in the tour’s previous Asian swing tournaments, securing only one victory out of three attempts. However, her remarkable display in the WTA Elite Trophy reminds the tennis world of her undeniable talent and resilience.
While Zheng fell short in the final, it is important to highlight her noteworthy achievements. Having recently won the Zhengzhou Open and the gold medal at the Asian Games, Zheng showcased her exceptional skill throughout the season. Her remarkable performance in the WTA Elite Trophy marked her as only the second Chinese player to reach the final in the history of the tournament. Previously, Wang Qiang had finished as the runner-up to former world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty in 2018.
A Breakthrough Postseason Event
The WTA Elite Trophy, featuring 12 players, served as the first postseason event on the women’s tour. It brought together the 11 highest-ranked singles players who did not qualify for the upcoming WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico. This tournament provided a platform for these players to showcase their abilities and engage in fierce competition. Notably, Zhu Lin secured her place in the competition as a wild-card entry after being defeated by Zheng in the semifinals.
Beatriz Haddad Maia’s triumph in the WTA Elite Trophy was a testament to her resilience and skill on the court. Her impeccable performance throughout the tournament solidified her position as one of the tour’s top players, while also serving as a reminder of her remarkable talent. Although Zheng Qinwen fell short in the final, her exceptional accomplishments should not be overshadowed. The inaugural postseason event provided an electrifying platform for these talented athletes to demonstrate their abilities and leave a lasting impact on the tennis world.
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