Maya Joint’s Historic Victory
Teenage star Maya Joint has achieved a remarkable first grass-court victory at the Eastbourne International, setting the stage for Australia’s challenge at Wimbledon.
Impressive Comeback
The talented 19-year-old, originally from the US and now based in Queensland, staged a remarkable comeback during her match against fellow rising star Alexandra Eala, saving four match points to clinch victory in a thrilling tiebreak. This victory makes Joint the first Australian to win the women’s title in the event’s 50-year history.
Acknowledgment of Support
Joint expressed her gratitude for the transformative influence of her coach, Chris Mahony, after her win at Devonshire Park. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. You’re a lifesaver,” she told him during the celebrations.
Ranking and Upcoming Challenges
With her victory, Joint catapults to No. 41 in the world rankings. Her first match at Wimbledon will be against Russian No. 19 seed Liudmila Samsonova.
Reflecting on the Match
Joint shared her emotions following the intense match, stating, “I’m very happy right now, feeling very relieved as well.” She had faced significant challenges, being down 5-2 in the final tiebreak but managed to find the resilience to stay in the game as Eala sought to become the Philippines’ first WTA champion.
Eala’s Heartbreak
For Eala, a rising star in the Philippines, the loss was devastating, and she was seen in tears after Joint’s victory clinched with a cross-court backhand winner. Joint sought to console her, assuring, “we will definitely play in more finals.”
Preparation for Wimbledon
Joint views her performance at Eastbourne as excellent preparation for Wimbledon. Having learned from past experiences, she aims to perform better than her recent outing at the French Open, looking forward to her debut at Wimbledon and cherishing the experience of enjoying strawberries and cream on the grounds.
