In a surprising turn of events at Wimbledon 2025, Hungarian tennis player Dalma Gálfi, ranked 110th in the world, defeated Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia, the world number 20, in the second round held on Wednesday, July 2, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. The match, played on Quadra 7, concluded with scores of 7-6 (9-7) and 6-1, marking Gálfi’s first career victory over Haddad Maia on the professional circuit.
The encounter was marked by intense rallies and pivotal moments, with Gálfi capitalizing on break points and dominating the second set to secure her place in the third round. Despite a two-hour rain delay that pushed back the start time past 12:30 PM (Brasília time), the Hungarian remained composed and consistent, while Haddad Maia struggled to find her rhythm, particularly on her second serve, which led to eight double faults.
Haddad Maia had entered Wimbledon with high hopes after a confident first-round win against Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova, prevailing 7-6 (8-6) and 6-4. The Brazilian showcased her aggressive style, firing 35 winners and securing 70% of points on her first serve during that match. However, against Gálfi, she was unable to replicate that form, particularly in crucial moments.
Gálfi, a former junior world number one and 2015 US Open junior champion, came into the match with renewed confidence following her hard-fought first-round victory over Britain’s Harriet Dart, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. The Hungarian’s resilience and adaptability proved decisive, as she won 68% of her first-serve points compared to Haddad Maia’s 63%, and converted all three break points she earned during their clash.
The first set was a tightly contested battle, with both players holding serve until the tiebreak. Gálfi edged out Haddad Maia 9-7 in the tiebreak after saving critical points, showcasing her mental toughness under pressure. In the second set, Gálfi surged ahead with consecutive breaks, quickly building a commanding 4-0 lead. Haddad Maia managed to win only one game in the set, visibly frustrated and committing unforced errors as Gálfi maintained control.
Statistically, Gálfi outperformed Haddad Maia in several key areas. She scored 82 points to Haddad Maia’s 64, hit three aces with just one double fault, while Haddad Maia managed only one ace against eight double faults. The Hungarian also secured 13 games compared to Haddad Maia’s seven, including a streak of 12 consecutive points at one stage versus Haddad Maia’s four.
Haddad Maia’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. Early in the year, she endured a nine-match losing streak in singles that tested her confidence. However, she showed signs of recovery by winning the doubles title at the WTA 250 event in Nottingham alongside Germany’s Laura Siegemund and reaching the quarterfinals at the WTA 500 in Bad Homburg, where she defeated top-15 player Elina Svitolina. At Wimbledon, Haddad Maia also competed in doubles with Siegemund, facing Americans Hailey Baptiste and Caty McNally on the same day as her singles loss.
Despite the early singles exit, Haddad Maia secured a £66,000 prize (approximately R$495,000) for reaching the second round, with potential for more earnings from doubles. The loss to Gálfi, however, ends her hopes of matching or surpassing her 2023 fourth-round run, her best Wimbledon performance to date.
Dalma Gálfi, at 26 years old, is enjoying a resurgence on the grass courts of Wimbledon. Although she has yet to claim a WTA title, she has won two Challenger events on clay in 2025, demonstrating her versatility and competitive edge. Her previous best Wimbledon result was reaching the third round in 2023, and with this victory, she has the chance to equal or improve upon that achievement.
In the third round, Gálfi will face a challenging opponent—American Amanda Anisimova, the No. 13 seed and known for her powerful game. Anisimova is favored to win, but Gálfi’s recent form and ability to neutralize aggressive players make her a formidable contender. The upcoming match is scheduled to take place at Wimbledon’s prestigious grounds, where Gálfi will seek to continue her impressive run.
This year’s Wimbledon has seen significant technological and financial advancements. The full adoption of Hawk-Eye Live across all courts has eliminated the need for line judges, enhancing accuracy and speeding up play. This innovation benefits players like Gálfi, who thrive on quick decision-making and consistent calls. Additionally, the tournament boasts a record £53.5 million prize pool (approximately R$400 million), reflecting its growth and the increasing stakes for competitors.
Grass courts, known as the fastest surface in tennis, demand constant adaptation. Haddad Maia, known for her aggressive style and powerful serve, has had mixed results on grass this year, with a 4-3 win-loss record in 2025. Her team, led by coach Rafael Paciaroni, has focused on explosive movement and recovery, but the physical toll of competing in both singles and doubles at Wimbledon may have affected her stamina and consistency.
Despite the setback, Haddad Maia remains Brazil’s top female tennis player and a significant figure in the sport. Her Wimbledon record includes six main-draw appearances, steadily improving over the years. She continues to be supported by major sponsors such as Tiffany, Itaú, and Engie, reinforcing her off-court presence and influence.
Meanwhile, Dalma Gálfi’s win over Haddad Maia has put her in the spotlight. Her ability to counter Haddad Maia’s aggressive play with solid returns and defensive slices highlights her strategic prowess. Gálfi aims to leverage this momentum to solidify her professional career, attract sponsorships, and climb the rankings. The third-round match against Anisimova will be a true test of her endurance and skill.
Brazilian tennis fans also have reason to celebrate as João Fonseca, an 18-year-old rising star, reached the second round of Wimbledon on the same day, keeping Brazil competitive on tennis’s grandest stages. As Gálfi advances, Haddad Maia will look ahead to upcoming tournaments, including the US Open, with hopes of regaining her form and continuing her career resurgence.
The match on Quadra 7 will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Wimbledon 2025, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis and the emergence of new talents ready to challenge established stars.
