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Brazil is known among other things for soccer, samba, stunning beaches, coffee and the Amazon jungle, but did you know that Brazilian tennis has a rich history? While overshadowed by "Jogo Bonito," tennis has produced world-class players, thrilling moments, and a legacy that continues to inspire.
Like many sports introduced to Brazil, tennis arrived in the late 19th century thanks to British expats, primarily engineers involved in railway construction and other infrastructure projects. The first tennis courts popped up in clubs in cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, with the Rio Cricket Club in Niterói having some of the earliest courts around 1888.Initially, the sport was mainly played within these expat communities. However, it quickly spread among the Brazilian elite and eventually became more widely accessible.
No discussion of Brazilian tennis is complete without mentioning Maria Esther Bueno. "The Tennis Queen," as she was known, dominated women's tennis in the 1950s and 60s. Her elegant style, aggressive serve-and-volley game, and sheer command of the court made her a global icon. Bueno won seven Grand Slam singles titles (Wimbledon three times, US Championships four times) and twelve Grand Slam doubles titles. Her impact on Brazilian tennis is immeasurable, inspiring generations of players.
Decades later, Gustavo Kuerten, or "Guga" as he's affectionately known, brought Brazilian tennis back into the spotlight. With his charismatic personality, crowd-pleasing style, and incredible clay-court prowess, Guga captured the hearts of fans worldwide. He won three French Open titles (1997, 2000, 2001), becoming a national hero and cementing his place as one of the greatest clay-court players of all time. His victory at Roland Garros in 1997, as an unseeded player, remains one of the biggest upsets in tennis history.
While singles have produced important players like Maria Bueno, Guga Kuerten, Bia Haddad, Thomaz Koch, Thomaz Bellucci and Fernando Meligeni, Brazilian doubles tennis has also had its moments. Marcelo Melo reached the number one ranking in the world in doubles and has won numerous prestigious titles, including Wimbledon and the French Open. Bruno Soares has also been a consistent force in doubles, winning multiple Grand Slam titles and achieving a high ranking. Other players like Cassio Motta (#4), Carlos Kirmayr (#6) and André Sá (#17) have shown the depth of talent in Brazilian men’s tennis. On the women’s side, Luisa Stefani has been a top player for many years, winning 9 WTAtitles, the Australian Open mixed doubles title and the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Bia Haddad is also excellent in doubles, climbing to the #10 ranking.
Brazil has also been a competitive nation in the Davis Cup, reaching the World Group several times and producing memorable matches. While a Davis Cup title remains elusive, the team continues to strive for success in this prestigious competition.
Present and Future: Bia Haddad Maia and João Fonseca
Brazilian tennis is currently experiencing an excellent moment. Beatriz Haddad Maia has broken through as a top player on the WTA Tour, achieving impressive results in Grand Slams and other major tournaments and reaching the top 10 twice in the last couple years. Her powerful game and fighting spirit have made her a fan favorite.
On the men's side, young talent is emerging. João Fonseca's recent win at the Next Gen ATP Finals showcases the potential of the next generation of Brazilian players. His performance has generated excitement and hope for the future of Brazilian men's tennis. Along with Thiago Wild and Thiago Monteiro he is currently fighting for a better ranking inside the Top 100 and is expected to do great things soon.
From the golden age of Maria Esther Bueno to the Guga mania and the current successes of Bia Haddad Maia and João Fonseca, Brazilian tennis has had a significant impact at the global stage. The passion, skill, and dedication of Brazilian players have inspired fans around the world. As new talents emerge, the future of Brazilian tennis looks bright!
Photo: Instagram Australian Open/ATP Tour
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