Author: Barkha Roy
In a thrilling and historic match, Beatriz Haddad Maia, the 14th seed, marked her name in the annals of tennis by becoming the first Brazilian woman to reach the semi-finals of Roland Garros in the Open Era. In an intense battle that lasted 2 hours and 29 minutes, she pulled off an upset by beating seventh seed Ons Jabeur 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-1.
The achievement has immense significance for Brazilian tennis, as Maria Bueno was the only other Brazilian woman to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam during the Open Era
. Tragically, Bueno passed away in 2018 at the age of 78. Before the Open Era, she left an unshakeable mark on the French Open, reaching the semi-finals five times and even the final in 1964. It is testament to Haddad Maia’s exceptional talent and determination that she has now joined Bueno’s ranks and earned her own place in Brazilian tennis history.
Meanwhile, in another women’s singles quarter-final, defending champion and world number one Iga Swiatek faced sixth seed Coco Gauff in a much-anticipated rematch of last year’s final. Swiatek showed her dexterity and dominance on the clay courts of Roland Garros, emerging victorious with a score of 6-4, 6-2. The victory not only secured her place in the semi-finals, but also made her the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015-2016 to win 12 consecutive matches in the main draw at Roland Garros. Swiatek’s incredible performance and consistency further solidify her status as a formidable force in women’s tennis.
In the men’s singles quarter-finals, Alexander Zverev faced a fierce challenge from Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Zverev, known for his powerful baseline play, showed his resilience and adaptability. After splitting the first two sets, Zverev made a strong comeback, overcoming a 0-2 deficit in the third set and winning five games in a row to take control of the match. With an effective net game and few errors, Zverev secured a hard-fought 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory, marking his third consecutive appearance in the Roland Garros semi-finals.