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.
Wait for it…
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— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2026
The demonstrative Putintseva will play 20th-seeded Brisbane finalist Marta Kostyuk or Frenchwoman Elsa Jacquemot in round two.