NEW YORK — Brazilian tennis star Beatriz Haddad Maia engaged in a remarkable mid-match conversation with Sky Sports pundit Laura Robson during her hard-fought first-round victory over British wildcard Sonay Kartal at the 2024 US Open. The 14th seed, known for her powerful baseline game, found herself in a tense battle on the Grandstand court before ultimately prevailing 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
With the match delicately poised and the momentum shifting, Haddad Maia walked towards her chair during a changeover and spotted former British No. 1 Laura Robson, who was providing on-court analysis for the international broadcast. In a moment of candid reflection, the Brazilian looked directly at Robson and uttered four simple yet telling words: "It's so tough today."
Robson, providing immediate insight for the Sky Sports audience, relayed the exchange, highlighting the mental and physical challenges Haddad Maia was navigating against a determined opponent. The comment offered a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the psyche of a top player grappling with the immense pressure of a major tournament and the specific challenges posed by Kartal’s resilient game.
A Grueling Battle Under the New York Sun
The match itself was a physical and tactical war of attrition. Haddad Maia, a French Open semifinalist in 2023, entered as the heavy favorite but was immediately tested by the 22-year-old Kartal, who was riding a wave of confidence after coming through qualifying. The first set was a baseline duel, with Haddad Maia’s left-handed angles and heavy topspin eventually overpowering Kartal to secure it 6-3.
However, the second set told a different story. Kartal, displaying impressive grit and counter-punching ability, began to redirect Haddad Maia’s power with interest, breaking serve and forcing errors. The Brazilian’s frustration became increasingly visible, culminating in the candid admission to Robson. Kartal capitalized on the dip in her opponent's level, breaking once more to take the set 6-4 and force a decider.
The third set was a testament to Haddad Maia’s experience and resilience. After regrouping during the break, she emerged with a clearer game plan and renewed intensity. She later explained her mindset shift, stating, "I just tried to focus on every point, to be aggressive and to move forward. I knew I had to fight for every ball."
The Turning Point and Expert Analysis
The moment of conversation with Robson appeared to be a crucial turning point. It seemed to act as a release valve for Haddad Maia’s pent-up frustration, allowing her to reset mentally. Robson, analyzing the match for Sky Sports, noted the significance of the exchange: "That’s the reality of a first round at a major. Even the top players have to dig incredibly deep. That moment of honesty from Beatriz showed she was feeling it, but it also seemed to help her refocus."
Tennis commentators often discuss the solitary nature of the sport, where players are left alone with their thoughts during changeovers. This brief interaction broke that norm, providing a unique human element to the broadcast. The key factors that ultimately decided the match included:
- First Serve Percentage: Haddad Maia significantly increased her first serves in play in the final set.
- Forehand Dominance: She began to dictate rallies with her heavy forehand into Kartal’s backhand corner.
- Mental Fortitude: Her ability to reset after a poor second set and a moment of visible frustration.
Post-Match Reflections and Looking Ahead
After sealing the victory with a powerful serve out wide, Haddad Maia breathed a visible sigh of relief. In her post-match press conference, she expanded on the challenges she faced. "Sonay played amazing. She’s a great player, she runs for every ball and she made it very difficult for me. I had to find a solution, and I’m happy I managed to do that in the third set."
When asked about the unique mid-match comment to Robson, Haddad Maia smiled. "Sometimes you just have to say how you feel. Laura is also a player, she understands. It was a tough moment and it was hot. I was just being honest. After that, I tried to think only about the next point."
The victory sets up an intriguing second-round clash for Haddad Maia against another formidable opponent. Her ability to navigate a stern test in the opening round, both physically and mentally, will serve as valuable experience as she progresses deeper into the tournament. For Sonay Kartal, the performance, though ending in defeat, was a clear statement of her potential to compete at the highest level of the sport.
The incident underscores the intense pressure and emotional rollercoaster that defines Grand Slam tennis. Haddad Maia’s four-word confession to a courtside pundit provided a rare, humanizing moment in the heat of competition, demonstrating that even the world’s best athletes must constantly battle their own doubts while executing their skills at the highest level. Her subsequent recovery to secure the win proved that acknowledging the struggle can sometimes be the first step toward overcoming it.