Beatriz Haddad Maia, known as Bia to her friends, is a study in paradoxes, a rising star in Brazilian tennis who stands at the intersection of talent and tenacity. Born into a tennis family in São Paulo, she picked up a racket at the tender age of five, likely influenced by her mother and grandmother, both accomplished players in their own right. With her family’s Lebanese roots and athletic pedigree, she has navigated the pressures of sport with a kind of grace that belies the demanding nature of her profession. Still, it seems there’s a constant push and pull within her—between the expectations of being a top-tier athlete and the desire for a life outside the court.

Her journey has not been without its shadows. From becoming the first Brazilian woman to enter the top 10 in singles to experiencing a brief suspension due to a doping violation linked to contaminated supplements, her story encapsulates the highs and lows of professional sports. There were moments, like winning her first WTA 100 title at the Nottingham Open or trudging through the grind of lower-tier events after her ban, that painted a picture of resilience. Or, perhaps, a young woman learning to balance ambition with the frailty of human nature—which is, more often than not, messy.

In the middle of all this, she gained a degree in Business Administration, seemingly a small detail, but revealing something larger about her intentions beyond tennis. Buying time in a world that often commodifies athletes, she’s crafting her narrative on her own terms. Yet, even as she highlights her professional achievements—12 WTA titles, a semifinal appearance at the French Open—there’s a lingering question about how much of Bia Haddad Maia we’ll ever really know, or if she prefers the public to see only what she allows.

Her recent wins in double tournaments and consistent performance in singles have secured her a spot not just in the rankings, but in history, yet there’s always that slight hesitation when one considers what lies ahead. As she gears up for the 2026 season, with sponsorships blossoming and new goals on the horizon, it feels as if a deeper journey is just beginning for Beatriz—one that might lead her beyond the confines of tennis itself, if she dares to let it.