Haddad Maia keeps dream run going with victory over Bencic for semifinal berth in Toronto

It was a hard-earned victory for Beatriz Haddad Maia, who stunned 12th seed Belinda Bencic to reach the semifinals at the National Bank Open (Rogers Cup).

The Brazilian rallied from a set down to score a 2-6 6-3 6-3 victory over her Swiss opponent, saving some of her best tennis for the latter half of the match. After being blitzed by Bencic in the opening set, Haddad Maia regained her composure in the second, winning 80% of points behind her first serve. Additionally, she took advantage of some poor service game by the 2015 champion, capitalizing on two break chances to clinch the second set.

With momentum on her side, Haddad Maia remained aggressive in the final set. Both ladies exchanged breaks to start the decider, but it was the World No.24 who continued her relentless attack to obtain a second break. The Nottingham champion would serve out the match, booking her spot in yet another WTA semifinal this season.

Haddad Maia will face the winner between 14th seed Karolina Pliskova and Chinese star Qinwen Zheng for a spot in the final.