Tennis sensation Beatriz Haddad Maia has accepted a marriage proposal from her childhood sweetheart, Alex Daoud, who presented her with a deeply personal memento from their past to mark the occasion. The neurosurgeon’s proposal was centered around a time capsule he created nearly two decades ago, revealing his long-held dream of marrying Haddad Maia.

A Romantic Proposal Rooted in Childhood Memories

The Brazilian tennis star, known for her powerful game and recent rise in the rankings, shared the heartwarming news of her engagement with her followers on Instagram. The proposal itself was a unique blend of nostalgia and future aspirations. Daoud, a neurosurgeon, presented Haddad Maia with a Tiffany & Co. diamond ring alongside a copy of a time capsule he had written on August 7th, 2006. This capsule was a message to his future self, detailing his hopes and dreams.

Inside the capsule, a young Alex Daoud outlined his favorite activities at the time, which included taekwondo and playing soccer. He also expressed his ambition to become a neurosurgeon. However, the most touching entry for his future fiancée was the concluding statement: ‘My dreams are: I want to help people and I want to marry Bia.’ This simple yet profound declaration from his childhood set the stage for the recent proposal.

Haddad Maia’s Heartfelt Response

Beatriz Haddad Maia responded to the proposal with an equally emotional message, reaffirming the enduring connection she shares with Daoud. She described him as ‘still that boy who gives me the same butterflies in my stomach as when we used to play soccer at age six.’ This sentiment highlights the deep familiarity and affection that has persisted throughout their lives.

In her Instagram post, translated from Portuguese, Haddad Maia reflected on their shared history. She recalled a specific memory from when they were nine years old, when Daoud asked her to be his girlfriend on the playground of their local football club. She admitted that at the time, she had declined his offer. Haddad Maia expressed no regret, acknowledging that taking a different path might have prevented their eventual reunion and the life they have built together.

‘I confess, I don’t regret it,’ she wrote. ‘Imagine if this story had taken a different turn. What we lived, learned and achieved to reunite and reconnect today might not have happened.’ She emphasized the power of time in reminding them that ‘love is the most important part.’ Haddad Maia concluded by stating that Daoud continues to win her over daily with his love, care, and affection, and expressed her hope to take care of him forever and continue pursuing their dreams together.

A Love Story Rekindled

The couple’s journey is a testament to enduring childhood bonds. Having known each other since they were young children, their paths diverged and then converged again, leading to this significant milestone. The engagement announcement was accompanied by a collection of photographs, showcasing their relationship from their early days playing football together to more recent images, including one where Haddad Maia proudly displays her engagement ring.

The romantic nature of the proposal and Haddad Maia’s touching response resonated widely online, with the post garnering nearly 65,000 likes. This public display of affection and the unique proposal story captured the attention and admiration of many.

Beatriz Haddad Maia’s Tennis Career Highlights

Beyond her personal life, Beatriz Haddad Maia has made significant strides in her professional tennis career. In June 2023, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Brazilian woman to break into the world’s top 10 in the singles rankings. Although her current singles ranking is 134, her past achievements underscore her talent and dedication.

Her career highlights include reaching the semifinals of the French Open in 2023 and the quarterfinals of the US Open in 2024. In doubles, she reached the final of the 2022 Australian Open with her partner Anna Danilina. Haddad Maia turned professional in 2014, initially earning a wildcard entry for the Rio Open.

The engagement marks a new chapter for Haddad Maia, both personally and professionally, as she balances her demanding tennis career with her enduring relationship with Alex Daoud.