After a disheartening start to the 2025 tennis season, Brazilian star Bia Haddad Maia has unfortunately seen her challenges continue. On February 28, Haddad Maia, currently ranked 17th globally, faced off against the 40th-ranked Rebeka Sramkova at the WTA 500 tournament held in Mérida, Mexico. This match culminated in another disappointing result for the talented player, marking her fourth consecutive loss.
The match was action-packed, showcasing moments of resilience from Bia. Despite her determination, she fell short, with Sramkova winning with scores of 7-6(8), 6-3. Caught up in the balance of the first set, Bia Haddad had the chance to seize control but couldn't maintain her momentum, leading to her elimination from the tournament.
Haddad Maia’s game began on even footing, displaying her competitive spirit. The first set, lasting over an hour, was tightly contested and showcased both players' skills. At one moment, Bia managed to break Sramkova's serve and led 3-2 after strong performances. This brief lead, unfortunately, proved to be ephemeral as she struggled to hold her service against her opponent's challenges.
With the score sitting at 6-6, the set progressed to a tense tiebreak. Haddad Maia even had the upper hand at times, leading 5-3 at one point. With chants and cheers from the modest crowd, both players dug deep, but it was Sramkova who demonstrated poise under pressure. Although Bia successfully fought off two set points, on the third opportunity, she attempted to venture to the net but miscalculated, leading to Sramkova clinching the set at 7-6 (10-8).
The second set unfolded with similar excitement, yet it was Sramkova who established the early command. While Bia broke back to bring the score to 3-4, Sramkova quickly regained her composure, breaking Bia’s serve twice to find herself with the upper hand at 5-3. The final moments of the match saw Bia battling fiercely, saving two match points; yet, the match concluded with Sramkova executing her shots effectively, sealing her victory with the second set finishing at 6-3.
This latest result is reflective of Bia’s unfortunate rollercoaster performance this season. Having won just two out of nine matches, her struggles span across various tournaments, including earlier losses at the United Cup, Doha, and Dubai. It puts her current form under scrutiny, raising questions about her strategy and preparation as she heads to future competitions.
Bia Haddad Maia, who had been expected to make waves this season, is facing mounting pressure. With tournaments such as the upcoming Indian Wells and Miami on the horizon, there is urgency for the Brazilian to regroup and recalibrate her game. The desire for improvement is palpable, as Haddad has the skill and talent needed to bounce back from this setback.
Reflecting on the match, she stated, "I felt I had the opportunities to win but I need to be able to close those moments correctly and bring the same passion I have during practice. Every match is learning, and I must not lose sight of what got me here."