Beatriz Haddad Maia has announced that she and longtime coach Rafael Paciaroni have gone their separate ways, closing a chapter that reshaped modern Brazilian tennis. The announcement comes during a rocky stretch for the 29-year-old, who has struggled to find momentum lately, managing just one win in her last six matches.
Their collaboration began in 2020, when Haddad Maia was far from the spotlight and buried deep in the rankings. Over the next few years, that partnership evolved into one of the most impactful coach–player stories in the country’s sporting history. Under Paciaroni’s guidance, she engineered a remarkable climb, breaking into the WTA elite and ultimately becoming the first Brazilian woman of the Open Era to reach the singles Top 10.
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Now ranked 67th in the world, Haddad Maia addressed the change directly with fans through social media, referring to her cooperation with Paciaroni as the most intense, happiest, and toughest moments of her career that she will eternally be grateful for. The Brazilian highlighted that her former coach taught her the value of hard work and trusting the process as the most essential principles in tennis. She also offered special thanks for his belief in her and for constantly pushing her beyond her comfort zone.
“Our legacy and mark on Brazilian tennis are eternal.” Haddad Maia stated in her announcement. “Thank you for standing by me during the toughest moments, when most people walked away and lost faith.”
Besides the Top 10 ranking, the highlights of their cooperation include 2023 Roland Garros singles semifinals, as well as titles at Seoul, Nottingham, Birmingham and WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai.
