Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia claimed her fourth career title with an impressive comeback victory over Russia’s top seed Daria Kasatkina, winning 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the Korea Open final on Sunday. Haddad Maia, seeded third, struggled in the first set, losing it in just 26 minutes, but she turned the match around in the second set and finished strong to secure the win in Seoul. This marks the world number 17’s first title since June 2022. “Tennis can change quickly,” Haddad Maia said, reflecting on her performance. “I played better towards the end of the second set, and then my game showed up. I finished the way I wanted and felt I deserved this victory.”
Kasatkina, ranked 13th in the world, has now lost four out of five finals this year. She expressed her frustration, saying, “Losing a final can feel worse than losing in the first round. I was ahead in the final, but Haddad Maia raised her level after the first set.”
Both players entered the final without dropping a set in the tournament, despite having to play two matches on Saturday due to rain delays. Kasatkina advanced to the final after Emma Raducanu retired injured in their quarter-final match.
In the final, Kasatkina broke Haddad Maia twice to win the first set and then again at the start of the second set. However, the momentum shifted when Haddad Maia broke back midway through the second set, taking the lead for the first time. Despite a brief argument with the umpire, Haddad Maia stayed composed and won the second set.
In the third set, Haddad Maia broke Kasatkina early and maintained control as her opponent’s game faltered. She broke again to secure the match when Kasatkina sent a return long. “I feel stronger and more competitive now,” Haddad Maia said. “I’m in a good moment and ready for what’s next.”
The Korea Open, held as a WTA 500 event for the first time, saw several top players withdraw at the last minute, including world number one Iga Swiatek, US Open finalist Jessica Pegula, and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
