“I try to learn from him every day,” Beatriz Haddad Maia fangirls over Rafael Nadal, praises the Spaniard’s work ethic and mental prowess

Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has become a global star for his exceptional achievements on the tennis court. With 14 French Open titles to his name, he’s undoubtedly the ‘King of Clay’. What makes his achievements special is that he has battled a chronic foot injury all these years.

Despite this concern, the Spaniard has won 22 singles Grand Slam titles. With two Olympic Golds as well to his name, Nadal has been an inspirational figure for fans and players alike. Known for his attitude on the court to not give up till the last point, he has won many matches from the brink of defeat due to this.

Taking inspiration from this is women’s World No. 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia. The Brazilian has revived her career brilliantly after her doping suspension, injury concerns, and drop in form as a result of it. She has however found her form yet again since the 2022 season and is inching closer to the Top-10.

Having seen a difficult time away from the sport, the Sau Paolo resident recently opened up about her inspiration. Answering the question, she mentioned Nadal as a big source of positivity.

She revealed that she watched the important career moments of the Spaniard along with her coach to take notes on her comeback. She addressed the press after her match at the ongoing San Diego Open.

Sometimes my coach and I watch Rafa.. moments he had in his career. I think especially his attitude, for me, it’s the best one on tour. I like the way he built his mentality. He’s very much a work harder type of person. I think his character & his values are very similar to mine. I try to learn from him every day.

Said Maia speaking in the press conference in San Diego.

Beatriz Haddad Maia is off to a shaky start this season

The Brazilian’s stay in San Diego was a short one. Playing as the second seed, she crashed out in the second round having gotten a bye in the first round. Briton Katie Boulter beat Maia winning the clash 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

This is the Brazilian’s fourth consecutive defeat of the season. She last won a match in the quarter-finals of the Abu Dhabi Open. She had reached the third round in the 2024 Australian Open before losing to Russian youngster Maria Timofeeva.

Maia heads to the 2024 Indian Open with a 6-7 record. She is currently at her career-high ranking of World No. 13. But the Brazilian will need to notch some big wins to hold on to her rank and eventually break into the Top-10.

In case you missed it:

• “Insane people who want to be offended,” Andy Roddick declares Novak Djokovic as the GOAT hitting back at fans misdirecting his podcast
• WATCH: Roger Federer narrowly loses to eight-year-old junior table tennis champion ‘Pineapple’ in Shanghai

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW