Sports
Haddad Maia Faces Kudermetova in Australian Open Round of 32
MELBOURNE, Australia — World No. 17 Beatriz Haddad Maia will face No. 75 Veronika Kudermetova in the Round of 32 at the Australian Open on Friday, January 17. The match marks a critical juncture for both players as they vie for a spot in the tournament’s second week.
Haddad Maia enters the match fresh off a decisive two-set victory over Erika Andreeva (6-2, 6-3) in the Round of 64 on Wednesday. The Brazilian player has been in strong form, having secured one tournament title in the past year. Her aggressive baseline play and powerful serve have been key to her success.
Kudermetova, meanwhile, advanced to the Round of 32 after a hard-fought three-set win against Katie Boulter (7-6, 2-6, 6-2) on Thursday. The Russian player, known for her versatility and strong net play, will look to capitalize on her momentum against the higher-ranked Haddad Maia.
The match will be played on a hard court, a surface that favors both players’ styles. Haddad Maia holds a slight edge in head-to-head matchups, having won two of their three previous encounters. However, Kudermetova’s recent form suggests she could pose a significant challenge.
Fans can catch the action live on Tennis Channel, available for streaming on Fubo. The Australian Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments, continues to draw global attention as players compete for the prestigious title.