Brazilian Bia Haddad defeats Golubic and faces Sakkari at US Open

Bia Haddad Maia, world number 22, secured an impressive victory against Swiss player Viktorija Golubic, ranked 72nd, by 2 sets to 0, with scores of 6/1 and 6/4, on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in New York. The Brazilian advanced to the third round of the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, and now prepares to face former world number 3 Maria Sakkari. With a performance marked by confidence and technical dominance, Bia stood out on court, overpowering her opponent with powerful forehands and a solid mental approach. The match, played at Flushing Meadows, highlighted the good form of the Brazilian, the sole representative of her country in the singles draw after João Fonseca’s elimination.

The victory came with ease, contrasting with Bia’s tense debut in the tournament, where she faced emotional challenges. This time, the 29-year-old from São Paulo displayed control and maturity, capitalizing on her opponent’s errors and maintaining consistency in crucial moments. The Brazilian fans in attendance cheered her performance, which places her once again in the international spotlight.

• Match highlights:
  • Dominant first set won 6/1 in under 30 minutes.
  • Decisive break in the second set to secure the win.
  • Aggressive forehand as the key weapon against Golubic.
  • Mental strength praised by the player herself post-match.

Dominance from the start

Bia Haddad entered the court with complete focus. The first set was a display of technical superiority, with the Brazilian dictating the pace from the outset. After holding her serve in the initial games, she broke Golubic’s service in the third game, taking a 4/1 lead. The Swiss player couldn’t counter Bia’s powerful forehands, and the Brazilian closed the set 6/1 with authority. The speed of the set, finished in under half an hour, showcased her physical and mental preparation.

The second set posed a greater challenge, with Golubic attempting to balance the match. However, Bia stayed calm and secured another break to lead 3/2. With confidence in her returns and precision in baseline shots, the Brazilian held her advantage until closing the set 6/4, earning her spot in the next round. The match highlighted Bia’s ability to adapt under pressure, a trait she emphasized after the game.

Preparing for the next challenge

Bia Haddad’s next match will be against Greek player Maria Sakkari, former world number 3 and current 9th-ranked player in the WTA. Known for her consistency and physical strength, Sakkari promises a tough battle in the third round. The match is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, with the time yet to be confirmed by the US Open organizers.

• What to expect from the matchup:
  • High-intensity match with long rallies.
  • Sakkari is known for solid defense and counterattacks.
  • Bia will rely on her forehand and tactical variation to surprise.
  • Mental toughness will be key in decisive moments.

The head-to-head between the two players is balanced, but Bia has proven capable of defeating top-tier opponents. Her progress in recent years, including consistent Grand Slam performances, positions her as a real threat in the tournament. The Brazilian aims to reach the round of 16, a significant milestone in her 2025 season.

Mental strength as a game-changer

Bia Haddad emphasized the importance of her mental preparation after the match. Unlike her debut, where she dealt with moments of frustration, the player described herself as “mentally strong” against Golubic. This progress reflects her ongoing work with her coaching team, focusing on game strategies and emotional control. She also thanked the fans, who showed up in strong numbers at Flushing Meadows.

Her confidence on court was evident. Even when Golubic tried to vary the pace in the second set, Bia stayed composed and found tactical solutions to neutralize her opponent’s efforts. Her ability to stay focused in critical points was a highlight of the match, something she hopes to replicate against Sakkari.

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Bia’s journey at the US Open

Bia Haddad’s 2025 US Open campaign reflects her rise in the global tennis scene. After a challenging debut where she overcame internal “demons,” as she described, the player found her best tennis in the second round. The win against Golubic marked her second consecutive appearance in the third round of the tournament, solidifying her consistency in high-level competitions.

• Key moments in the tournament:
  • Emotional victory in the first round.
  • Technical dominance in the second round, losing only 10 points on serve.
  • Consistency on hard courts, the US Open’s surface.

The Brazilian has stood out for her versatility. Able to perform well on various surfaces, she leverages the US Open’s hard courts to showcase her aggressive game. The tournament, offering a record $75 million prize pool in 2025, is an opportunity for Bia to climb the rankings and gain greater global visibility.

Brazilian tennis at the US Open

With João Fonseca’s early exit in the men’s draw, Bia Haddad carries Brazil’s hopes in the singles competition. Her performance has drawn attention from fans and analysts, who see her as a real contender to advance past the third round. Brazilian tennis, which enjoyed glory days with names like Gustavo Kuerten, now looks to Bia for significant Grand Slam results.

The São Paulo native is already the highest-ranked Brazilian player and has established herself as one of the country’s top athletes in the professional circuit. Her dedication and steady improvement serve as an example for the next generation of Brazilian players seeking to make their mark in a highly competitive sport.

Match curiosities against Golubic

The identical outfits worn by Bia Haddad and Viktorija Golubic caught the audience’s attention. Both players wore pink shorts, white tank tops, and visors, differing only in their footwear. Despite the coincidence, Bia stayed focused and turned the visual similarity into a lighthearted moment to connect with the crowd. The episode, though unusual, did not affect her performance, as she maintained focus throughout.

• Game details:
  • Bia won 80% of her first-serve points.
  • Golubic committed 15 unforced errors, compared to Bia’s 8.
  • The match lasted 1 hour and 22 minutes.
  • Brazilian fans showed up with flags and loud support.

Third-round expectations

The matchup against Maria Sakkari will be a critical test for Bia Haddad. The Greek player, a former top 3, is experienced in high-stakes matches. However, Bia has shown she can compete with the best in the world. Her physical preparation and newfound confidence will be essential to secure a spot in the round of 16.

Brazilian fans hope Bia can maintain the level shown against Golubic, with an aggressive and mentally strong game. The match is also a chance for the player to gain further international recognition in one of the most prestigious tournaments in tennis.