Beatriz Haddad Maia became the first Brazilian woman in 55 years to reach the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam when she beat Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-7(3) 6-3 7-5 at the French Open on Monday.Maria Bueno, who won seven singles titles at the slams, was the last Brazilian woman to reach the quarter-finals at a major in 1968, although Haddad Maia says she still cannot compare with the great "dancing tennis player"."She's a person who inspired us for a lot of years.
I think she's a very powerful woman," 14th seed Haddad Maia told a press conference after winning the longest women's match at this year's tournament. "I have a picture with her in Wimbledon.
That was a lucky day. Also, I met her a few times in Sao Paulo. Unfortunately, she passed away (in 2018) but we chatted a few times."I'm very proud to represent Brazil.
But for sure I don't compare myself with her, because for me, she's on another level, like Guga (Kuerten)."Haddad Maia was just a year old when Gustavo Kuerten won the first of his three French Open titles in 1997 and he continues to inspire players like her."He's for sure one of the people who made a difference for tennis in Brazil.