Bia Haddad survives scare to defeat Laura Pigossi and advance to SP Open quarterfinals

Bia reflected on the close match against Pigossi, stating, ‘We have known each other since we were little. I think our first games were in club championships, then in São Paulo and Brazilian Championships. She is a very tenacious player, so I am happy to have overcome her. I believe that in the first set, I managed to be a bit more aggressive and I am happy with the win.’ This was Haddad’s fourth victory over Pigossi in official matches. The first one in 2013 in Ribeirão Preto, the second three years later in São Paulo, and the third in Saint Malo, France. relying on powerful serves, Bia confirmed her service with a nearly flawless first game against Laura. She then secured three consecutive sets, ending with a decisive error by Pigossi in the last game. Laura reacted by hitting a beautiful right parallel shot to break her rival’s serve in the fifth game. Throughout the first set, the world number 27 managed to get another break and close the set with a wonderful ace.