[1/3] Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - August 28, 2023 Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia in action during her first round match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton Acquire Licensing RightsNEW YORK, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia proved she was no pushover even when her back was up against a wall as she battled past 2017 champion Sloane Stephens with a 6-2 5-7 6-4 victory in the first round of the U.S. Open on Monday.
Roland Garros semi-finalist Haddad Maia saved 11 of 15 break points across the match as the American suffered yet another early Grand Slam exit.
While Stephens was left to reflect on a miserable year at the majors, where her best showing was a fourth round appearance at Roland Garros, Haddad Maia set up a meeting with Stephens' compatriot Taylor Townsend.
After levelling the contest to one set all, Stephens could not absorb the Brazilian's firepower in the third set, where Haddad Maia sent over 20 winners.
"I was expecting a big battle," Haddad Maia said.
Persons:
Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia, Sloane Stephens, Shannon Stapleton, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Roland Garros, Haddad Maia, Stephens, Taylor Townsend, Amy Tennery
Organizations:
U.S, REUTERS, Thomson
Locations:
Flushing Meadows , New York, United States, New York