Beatriz Haddad Maia’s incredible love story: The letter her fiancé wrote at age 10 predicted their engagement
WTAMonday, 13 July 2026 at 02:30
For Beatriz Haddad Maia, Wimbledon ended almost as soon as it began with a first-round exit. But just days later, the Brazilian has something far more memorable to celebrate after announcing her engagement to longtime partner Alex Daoud in one of the most remarkable love stories tennis has seen.
The former World No. 10 shared the news on social media alongside a heartfelt message recalling a friendship that began when the pair were just children. From playing football together at their local club to eventually finding their way back to each other years later, Haddad Maia described a relationship that has come full circle.
What made the proposal truly extraordinary, however, was the surprise Daoud had been keeping for two decades. Alongside a Tiffany & Co. engagement ring, the neurosurgeon presented Haddad Maia with a handwritten "time capsule" he had completed as a 10-year-old child.
In the letter, written on August 7, 2006, young Alex listed his dreams for the future. He hoped to become a neurosurgeon, wanted to help people—and finished with one unforgettable sentence: "I want to marry Bia." Twenty years later, both dreams have become reality.
A childhood promise that became reality
Haddad Maia responded with an emotional message reflecting on the journey they have shared over more than two decades. "After so many years, you're still that boy who gives me the same butterflies in my stomach as when we used to play soccer at age six," she wrote.
The Brazilian also remembered the first time Daoud tried to ask her out when they were children. "I'll never forget when we were nine years old, when you talked to my cousin and asked me to be your girlfriend... and I said no," she joked. "I have to admit, I don't regret it. Imagine if this story had taken a different turn."
She added that everything they experienced separately ultimately allowed them to reconnect years later. "Nothing we lived, learned and achieved to reunite and reconnect today might have happened."
The 30-year-old concluded with a touching declaration of love. "You continue to be the same boy who wins me over every day with your love, care and affection. I hope I can take care of you forever and that we will continue fighting for our dreams together."
Although Haddad Maia has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in Brazilian tennis history—including becoming the country's first woman to break into the WTA Top 10, reaching the 2023 French Open semifinals and the 2024 US Open quarterfinals—it is this off-court milestone that may become one of the defining memories of her 2026 season. While Wimbledon brought an early exit, it also delivered a lifelong victory.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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