Who knew Pele was a tennis fan? Beatriz Haddad Maia‘s performance at the Canadian Open drew praise from soccer legend Pele. Pele congratulated Haddad Maia on Instagram and was impressed with where Brazilian tennis is headed.

How good it is to see Brazilians conquering more and more in the sport! I want to congratulate @biahaddadmaia for reaching Toronto @wta 1000 final, but above that, for the beautiful journey so far. I’ll be rooting for you today. You are writing a beautiful story.

Though Beatriz Haddad Maia lost in the final to Simona Halep in three, it was a great week for the Brazilian. She will rise to her career-best ranking of world number 16.

Haddad Maia is the first Brazilian woman to reach a WTA 1000 final. At the Canadian Open, she beat world number 1 Iga Swiatek, Belinda Bencic, and Karolina Pliskova in her incredible run to the final.