US OPEN

September 2, 2024

Beatriz Haddad Maia

Press Conference

B. HADDAD MAIA/C. Wozniacki

6-2, 3-6, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Beatriz, if you would, your thoughts on your win.

BEATRIZ HADDAD MAIA: Well, I think today's match was a pretty good battle. As I said on the court, I respect a lot Caroline because of everything she reached, being No. 1 in the world, a lot of titles. She's a very fighter player, so it's not easy to play against her.

I think I start in the best way. The first set was pretty good from my side, and then, well, she improved a little bit. I had my up-and-downs during the second set, and I tried to become to understand what was going on and be disciplined, and I'm very happy that I could make this win.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. What does the win just mean for you, this result, making a US Open quarterfinal, all of that? What's the biggest thing that kind of stands out in your mind about the results so far?

BEATRIZ HADDAD MAIA: Yeah, the true is that, now my mind is a bit crazy, because I just received the news that my physio lost his son. So it's a tough moment for me, but I'm still happy with my win. The only thought that I have now that I'm going to fight until the end and try to give everything on court for him.

Yeah, and tomorrow I think about the rest of the tournament.

Q. I'm terribly sorry.

BEATRIZ HADDAD MAIA: That's okay.

Q. I was going to ask you, though, what sense you have of the following in your home country and what this means as you keep going in the tournament.

BEATRIZ HADDAD MAIA: Yeah, it feels very special. It's very nice to see a lot of people, especially Brazilians cheering for me and following me during the whole year. I think that's give me the motivation to keep going also, because I know there is a lot of girls and boys who can get inspired, and they can also dream and see me on these big courts and see that if I'm there, they also can do it.

Yeah, I think it's very special to be this person, and I will try to bring as happiness as I can for everyone.

Q. You mentioned that you're not yet thinking about what's ahead, but you have a history with Muchova. You have played her before. What do you remember most about your matches and how might that apply to the next one?

BEATRIZ HADDAD MAIA: Yeah, Muchova is a great player. She's one of the best players in the world.

Well, she move well, she has good serve, good returns. I know it's going to be a tough battle. Last match we had was a pretty good one also from both sides. It was defined little details.

Yeah, I feel stronger. I think I pass through all the situations being set up, set down, break up, break down. I had tough moments, I have good moments. So I think I'm prepared for the next round. But as I said about the tactic, I'll think tomorrow.

Q. In terms of just your level over the last few weeks, obviously the final in Cleveland, as well, what do you think has kind of clicked game-wise for you to get the results?

BEATRIZ HADDAD MAIA: Yeah, I think I was trying to be more in the present and not control the things that wasn't in my control. I think that one point.

And also believing the process. I think I work very hard every single day, so when I step on court, I know that it can be tough and matches sometimes can be tough, but if you give everything and you work for that, you're going to create opportunity. I think it's that I'm trying to be more in the present and creating the opportunities during the matches.

I think, yeah, that was all. I didn't change anything special (smiling).

Q. Obviously you made the semifinals at Roland Garros. Do you feel like that result has helped you this week at all, just in terms of navigating a two-week Grand Slam and a lot of pressure and everything? In what ways has it helped you?

BEATRIZ HADDAD MAIA: Yes, for sure, the semifinal in the French Open helps to believe, to know that, okay, I already passed through this moment. Is not easy for the tennis players. We know how pressure we feel every single match. Doesn't matter if it's quarterfinals or first round. I think not only Roland Garros semifinals but also the other matches that I had in Grand Slams, especially tough loss, matches that I lost.

I felt a lot of pain right after, and I think I learned a lot from these moments. I feel that I have this different experience, and I feel ready for the next quarterfinal.

Q. Maybe just because of the Olympics just happened, but every four years we get a glimpse into Brazilian sporting culture, and the excitement, the beauty, the passion that Brazilian fans and athletes bring to the sport. Wondering if you can articulate for you what it means to be part of Brazilian sport, the attention, the pressure.

BEATRIZ HADDAD MAIA: It's different I think talking more specific about Olympics. It was very special. I think to learn with other athletes and womens that are from my country, and they passed through the same moments in a different sport, in a different way, but we could share sometimes some thoughts and I could learn with them.

So I think all this kind of change that we could have during the days in the Village were very special for me.

Yeah, I think Brazilians, also, they are very warm, they like to help each other, so we could feel that we were very, like, together, cheering for all the Brazilians. Doesn't matter which sport. We are always there for them (smiling).

Yeah, I was very happy to play my first Olympic Games.