Sao Paulo Open

Top-seeded and World No. 27 Beatriz Haddad Maia overcame a late push to defeat fellow Brazilian Laura Pigossi, 6-1, 6-4, in Thursday’s second round.

Haddad Maia dominated early, racing through the first set in 36 minutes and building a 5-1 lead in the second. Pigossi responded with a late surge, holding serve twice and breaking in the eighth game. However, Haddad Maia steadied, closing out the win in straight sets.

She now faces fifth seed Renata Zarazua of Mexico, who took down Turkey’s Berfu Cengiz 6-4, 6-4. Zarazua, who also upset Madison Keys at the U.S. Open, brings strong momentum into Friday’s clash.

Elsewhere, Hungary’s Panna Udvardy silenced the home crowd by ousting Brazil’s Ana Candiotto 6-3, 6-3.

For bettors following WTA action, our tennis betting tips highlight how to spot value when seeded players face familiar opponents.

Guadalajara Open

The afternoon session delivered major upsets, as the top two seeds crashed out.

No. 1 Elise Mertens of Belgium fell to France’s Elsa Jacquemot in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 marathon that lasted over two and a half hours. Jacquemot capitalized on key break chances in the final set while Mertens faltered at critical moments.

Meanwhile, Andorra’s Victoria Jiminez Kasintseva stunned No. 2 Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 6-2, holding firm on all four break points she faced.

Colombia’s Emiliana Arango also cruised, dispatching Australia’s Storm Hunter 6-2, 6-2.

With Mertens and Kudermetova eliminated, No. 3 seed Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia remains the highest-ranked player in the draw. She was slated to meet Canada’s Marina Stakusic in the evening, with three other second-round matches also on the schedule.

If you’re betting late-round matches, don’t miss our guide on betting Grand Slam tennis to understand how momentum shifts can dictate outcomes.