Australian teenager Maya Joint has made a significant mark in the tennis world by reaching the finals of the Eastbourne International at just 19 years old. This achievement serves as a perfect prelude to Wimbledon, as the young athlete powered into the championship match of this traditional grass-court event on Friday.
The US-born Queenslander, who is competing in only her second senior grass-court tournament, showcased her talent by defeating Russia’s former French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-4 in the semi-final. This victory follows her impressive wins over top players Ons Jabeur and Emma Raducanu earlier in the week.
Maya Joint’s Remarkable Journey
Joint’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. She was trailing 5-3 in the first set against the 33-year-old Pavlyuchenkova before she turned the match around with her precise hitting and agile movement. Her performance has left her in awe of her own achievements.
“Super exciting. I think if you told me at the beginning of the week that I’d be in the final, I wouldn’t believe you,” said Joint. “I’ve definitely learned to love grass this week.”
In the final, she will face another rising star, 20-year-old Alexandra Eala. Eala, who hails from the Philippines, made history by becoming the first player from her country to reach a WTA Tour final. She secured her place in the final by defeating fellow qualifier Varvara Gracheva 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.
A Historic Final Awaits
The upcoming final promises to be a thrilling encounter, marking the youngest final at the event since 1981 when American teens Tracy Austin and Andrea Jaeger competed at Devonshire Park. For Joint, this final echoes her earlier success at the Morocco Open in May, where she claimed her first WTA title just days before her debut at the French Open.
Should she triumph in Eastbourne, Joint would become the first Australian woman to win the event in its 50-year history. This victory would also propel her into Wimbledon with newfound confidence and a potential ranking within the world’s top 50.
“I can take confidence that I won it last time [in Rabat], and maybe I’ll be a little bit less nervous this time, but I’m just really excited to come out here and play another final,” she expressed.
The Rise of Maya Joint
Joint’s ascent in the tennis rankings has been meteoric. Beginning the year ranked No. 116, she could climb to No. 41 with a second title in just five weeks. Her rapid rise is even more impressive considering that just 18 months ago, she was ranked No. 1384. This transformation began when she decided to return to Queensland from the US and train under her Australian coach, Chris Mahony.
Meanwhile, her opponent, Eala, has also had a breakthrough season, becoming a national icon in the Philippines. Her journey included notable victories over Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek on her way to the Miami Open semi-finals.
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
As Joint prepares for her maiden Wimbledon appearance, the tennis world watches with anticipation. Her performance in Eastbourne has already set a high bar, and her potential clash with 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova in the main draw adds to the excitement.
“I’m super excited to play Alex, we’re gonna have a great match. She’s a really nice girl, and, yeah, we’re looking forward to it,” Joint said, reflecting on the upcoming final.
The Eastbourne final not only represents a significant milestone for these young players but also sets the stage for their future in the sport. As they continue to break records and defy expectations, the world will be watching to see how they shape the next chapter of women’s tennis.
