Haddad Maia extends grass-court streak, lifts trophy in Birmingham with Zhang walkover

Beatriz Haddad Maia can’t stop winning on English grass courts. She has added the Birmingham singles title to the one she won last week in Nottingham – lifting the trophy as Zhang Shuai withdrew from the match with the Brazilian 5-4 up in the first set.

“I am a fighter, I have the right people behind me,” said a tearful Haddad Maia afterwards. “Nobody knows what we did over the last two years. One year ago I was playing a final, a 25K. If I didn’t have this power, this determination, it would be impossible.

“I’m really happy that I’m here, with everybody here watching me play. Everything I have been through in my life made me stronger.”

Zhang did not say exactly what her physical problem was that forced her to pull out.

“Maybe it’s because I’m so old!” 33-year-old Zhang joked. “Really tough to play after two and a half hours in singles [in the semi-final on Sunday morning], and I have played already seven matches this week.

“My body is not working any more – I’m sorry.”

Zhang and Haddad Maia won the doubles title in Nottingham together last week, and have practised together every day in the UK.

“You showed me we can have friends on the tour,” Haddad Maia said to Zhang. “More than a huge player, you are a very special person.”