By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, January 17, 2026
Photo credit: Mebo International Facebook
Yulia Putintseva muted Beatriz Haddad Maia—and vocal Brazilian fans—with a committed comeback and victory dance.
Down 1-3 in the final set, Putintseva reeled off the final five games defeating big-hitting Brazilian Haddad Maia 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the Australian Open first-round today.
Putintseva, who looked visibly annoyed by loud Brazilian fans and later a technical issue that sent some screeching feedback from the chair umpire’s microphone, let her opponent and fans know how she felt in victory.
Watch the 31-year-old Putintseva deliver a victory dance, brief handshake and a big bow to fans after a grueling two hour, 53-minute win.
Yulia Putintseva’s reaction to the crowd after beating Bia Haddad Maia at the Australian Open.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2026
Wait for it…
💀💀💀💀💀
pic.twitter.com/hTxeC6Mqeq
The demonstrative Putintseva will play Frenchwoman Elsa Jacquemot, who upset 20th-seeded Marta Kostyuk 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 7-6(10), in round two.
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