The 2025 tennis season commenced with the United Cup in Perth, Australia, witnessing a grueling encounter between Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil and Gao Xinyu of China. Haddad Maia, ranked significantly higher than her opponent, entered the match as the favorite. However, the contest evolved into a protracted three-set battle, pushing both players to their physical limits.
Haddad Maia secured the first set 7-5, but Gao retaliated by taking the second set 6-4. The decisive third set witnessed Haddad Maia succumbing to severe cramping, impacting her ability to serve effectively. In a dramatic turn of events, the Brazilian was forced to resort to underarm serves due to the excruciating pain. Despite her struggles, and unable to take a medical timeout due to cramping being classified as a conditioning issue rather than an injury, she persevered, continuing to compete until the changeover where she finally received treatment. Ultimately, Gao capitalized on Haddad Maia’s physical distress, breaking her serve and eventually clinching the third set 7-5 after a grueling three hours and 22 minutes – the longest women’s match in United Cup history.
This marathon match was not an isolated incident for Haddad Maia. She has gained notoriety for her involvement in protracted contests, with this being her fifteenth match exceeding three hours since 2022, according to tennis author Bastien Fachan. The demanding nature of these matches raises concerns about the toll they take on players’ physical well-being.
Gao Xinyu’s victory was even more remarkable considering she was a late replacement for Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen. Her resilience and determination were evident throughout the match, overcoming both Haddad Maia and her own physical challenges, as she sported strapping around her left knee. The unexpected outcome placed immense pressure on Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro, requiring him to defeat Zhang Zhizhen to keep his country’s hopes alive in the tie.
Unfortunately for Brazil, Monteiro’s match against Zhang Zhizhen was a stark contrast to the preceding women’s encounter. Zhang showcased his dominance, swiftly dispatching Monteiro 6-3 6-0 in a mere 56 minutes, sealing the tie for China. This decisive victory underscored the depth of Chinese tennis and their potential in the tournament.
Despite the tie being decided, the mixed doubles match proceeded as a dead rubber, carrying significance for potential tie-breaker scenarios later in the tournament. China completed a clean sweep, with the Zhang duo, Zhang Zhizhen and Zhang Shuai (no relation), overcoming Carolina Alves and Rafael Matos 6-4 7-5 in one hour and 18 minutes. This comprehensive victory showcased China’s strength across all formats of the game.
The aftermath of this intense day of competition leaves Brazil facing uncertainty regarding Haddad Maia’s availability for their upcoming match against Germany. Her ability to recover from the grueling encounter with Gao will be crucial for their chances in the tournament. Meanwhile, China, buoyed by their resounding victory, will look to maintain their momentum against Germany in their next match. The United Cup continues to unfold with compelling storylines and unpredictable outcomes, capturing the attention of tennis fans worldwide.
