Haddad Maia B vs Zakharova A on 7 February
As the sun sets on Doha, all eyes will be on the Centre Court, where two rising stars of women’s tennis, Beatriz Haddad Maia and Anastasia Zakharova, will collide in a highly anticipated first-round clash at the 2026 Doha tournament. The match, scheduled for February 7, promises to deliver a captivating contest with both players bringing unique playing styles and compelling form to the table. With a spot in the next round on the line, every game will count as they fight for supremacy in one of the premier hard-court tournaments of the season.
Haddad Maia B: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia enters this encounter with her stock on the rise. The 26-year-old has been consistently pushing the boundaries of her game, demonstrating a formidable mix of baseline consistency and an increasingly assertive net game. Over her last five matches, Haddad Maia has secured three wins, showcasing her ability to adapt to a variety of playing styles. Notably, her 70% first serve percentage is a testament to her aggressive serving strategy, and her ability to win 60% of return points is indicative of her solid groundstroke game.
In terms of playing style, Haddad Maia thrives in long rallies, often dictating play from the baseline with her heavy topspin forehand. Her backhand, though slightly less powerful, is dependable, and she has steadily improved her slice, giving her a more rounded game. However, her true weapon lies in her ability to close points at the net, where her volleying has been sharp in recent months. Against opponents who struggle with depth or pace, Haddad Maia's attacking mindset comes to the forefront, and she can seize control of the match through a combination of depth, angle, and occasional serve-and-volley tactics.
The Brazilian's confidence will be key. With no major injury concerns, her body language has been that of a player with belief in her game, and she’ll be looking to make a statement in Doha. The court conditions will suit her hard-court baseline game, but she must avoid being too passive when forced into defensive positions. If she can maintain a high first serve percentage and mix in some variety on her second serve, she will be in a good position to progress.
Zakharova A: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova has been a player of interest to watch in 2026, especially after an impressive start to the season. Zakharova’s form has been characterized by consistency and strategic play, with four wins in her last five matches. Her biggest strength is her deep, penetrating groundstrokes, particularly her forehand, which has become a weapon on hard courts. Zakharova’s serve is reliable, with a first serve percentage hovering around 68%, though her second serve remains vulnerable at times, allowing opponents to attack it aggressively.
Zakharova's game is built around control from the baseline, using her heavy groundstrokes to push opponents behind the baseline and extract errors. She’s comfortable engaging in long rallies but must be careful not to get caught too far behind the baseline, where Haddad Maia's power could dictate the pace of the match. Unlike Haddad Maia, Zakharova doesn’t typically come to the net with frequency, instead preferring to stay behind the baseline and wear down opponents with her consistency. However, her backhand is more reliable than her forehand, and she is effective at directing the ball to the corners to open up space for her next shot.
In terms of fitness, Zakharova has remained injury-free in recent months, which bodes well for her chances in Doha. Her mental fortitude will be crucial in this match, especially when dealing with Haddad Maia’s heavy shots. Zakharova's ability to absorb pressure and turn defense into offense will be a decisive factor in this contest.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The head-to-head between these two players is a relatively new one, as this will be their first meeting on the WTA circuit. Without previous matchups to analyze, we turn our focus to their recent form and tactical strengths. Haddad Maia’s advantage may lie in her ability to dominate with her first serve and her willingness to move forward, while Zakharova's strength is her consistency and depth from the baseline. The lack of a head-to-head record only adds to the intrigue, as both players enter this match with no preconceived notions about each other's strengths or weaknesses. The outcome will depend largely on their execution and ability to impose their game style early.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
There are two key areas of this match where the battle will likely be decided: the serve return and baseline rallies. Haddad Maia’s strong return game, coupled with her powerful first serve, will be a key weapon in neutralizing Zakharova’s serve. If she can consistently attack Zakharova’s second serve, she’ll be able to dictate the pace of the match early on. Zakharova, on the other hand, will need to keep the rallies long, utilizing her heavy forehand to wear down Haddad Maia and avoid getting into aggressive exchanges. The longer the points go, the more advantage Zakharova has, as her consistency will gradually overpower the Brazilian’s riskier approach.
The second critical zone will be the net play. Haddad Maia has the advantage in this area, with her serve-and-volley game offering her more options when the point breaks down. Zakharova’s inability to consistently come forward may limit her opportunities to finish points early. If Haddad Maia can close the net quickly and pressure Zakharova with volleying, she’ll create more chances to control the tempo.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match will likely follow a pattern of high intensity, with both players attacking early and trying to control the tempo. Haddad Maia’s first serve will be crucial in setting the tone, and if she can continue to hit high percentages, she will have the upper hand. However, Zakharova will look to frustrate her by keeping rallies long, absorbing the Brazilian’s power, and finding angles to dictate play. The key to the match will be how both players manage the balance between attack and defense. Haddad Maia will likely take the initiative, but Zakharova’s consistency may allow her to frustrate her opponent.
Prediction: Haddad Maia to win 2-1, with a total of 22 games in the match. The Brazilian’s offensive game will prove too much for Zakharova’s defense, but the Russian will put up a strong fight, pushing the match into a deciding set.
Final Thoughts
In this high-stakes contest, Haddad Maia’s aggressive baseline play and net skills will face off against Zakharova’s consistency and heavy groundstrokes. The match will hinge on who can dictate the rallies and how well they manage the pressure of the contest. Will Haddad Maia’s attacking flair prove too much for Zakharova, or will the Russian's steadiness allow her to weather the storm? The answer will emerge as both players meet on court, and one will advance to the next stage of the Doha tournament.
