Haddad Maia improves to 9-0 on grass by taking down Simona Halep in Birmingham

Beatriz Haddad Maia extended her superb run on grass this year by reaching another final in Birmingham with a win over Simona Halep.

This match was originally meant to be played yesterday but it rained all day in Birmingham meaning that the winning player would have to play two matches today. The winning player was Haddad Maia as the Romanian player came back to win against Halep who ultimately ran out of steam. The Brazilian player is having a breakout year being 9-0 on grass with a trophy in Nottingham and a final in Birmingham.

Halep opened the first set well taking an early 2-0 lead but the Brazilian battled back immediately to make it 2-2. Halep went up 3-2 with a break once more but once again dropped her serve immediately after. It was 3-3 and from there Haddad Maia went on a 3-0 run to close out the first set 6-3. She just outplayed Halep from the baseline with her flat groundstrokes.

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The 2nd set was closely contested by both players but towards the end of it, Halep established herself as the better player attacking with great efficiency. The Brazilain completely fell apart losing her serve twice in the 2nd half of the set 2-6. The 3rd one opened with Halep still on top with good momentum. She was up 3-1 but bold play by Haddad Maia got her the break back.

Haddad Maia kept up the pressure with Halep losing patience and focus towards the end of the match. The Brazilian was able to secure another win after being down a break in the final set as it happened earlier in the event as well.