Tue Apr 15 20:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Brazilian Star Haddad Maia Eyes Top 10 Return at Stuttgart Open
**Stuttgart, Germany** – Beatriz Haddad Maia, the No. 17 ranked WTA player, is looking to reignite her winning form at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. The Brazilian, inspired by the legendary clay-court successes of her compatriot Gustavo Kuerten (“Guga”), is hoping a return to her favored surface will propel her back into the Top 10.
Haddad Maia, who reached the Roland Garros semifinals last year – her best Grand Slam result to date – admitted to struggling this year after a strong finish to 2022. She highlighted the importance of hard work and a positive mentality in overcoming recent challenges. “The key was always to work hard, keep in the present, have a positive mentality,” she stated.
Her first test in Stuttgart is a highly anticipated first-round match against No. 7 seed Emma Navarro. The two players are familiar with each other, having practiced together recently and sharing a 2-1 head-to-head record in Haddad Maia’s favor, with both of her wins coming on clay. Despite the familiarity, Haddad Maia acknowledges the challenge: “For sure, it’s a tough match. She had an amazing year last year.”
Haddad Maia’s strong clay-court game, honed on the many clay courts of Brazil, has yielded significant success in the past, including a quarterfinal run in Stuttgart last year. She aims to leverage this experience and her positive mental approach to achieve her goal of a Top 10 ranking. “Clay, it’s a very different game,” she said. “I have good feelings, good memories. I’m very excited for what is coming.” The Stuttgart tournament will be a key indicator of her progress towards that ambitious goal.
First Piper 