Historic Eastbourne Win: Aussie Teen Maya Joint Shines Before Wimbledon Debut
3 min read
JUNE 29,2025
Hunger, heart, and history. Rising Australian tennis sensation Maya Joint delivered a career-defining performance at the Eastbourne International 2025, capturing her first grass-court title in a nail-biting final that left her opponent, Filipina star Alexandra Eala, in tears.
The 19-year-old Brisbane-based athlete, born in the U.S. and now proudly representing Australia, fought back from the brink of defeat — saving four match points — to claim an epic 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (12-10) victory. The emotional win not only earned her a coveted WTA 500 title, but also made her the first Australian woman in the 50-year history of the British seaside event to win the singles crown.
Historic Eastbourne from Queensland to Centre Court Dreams
“It’s been an amazing year—an amazing two years,” Joint said, beaming with pride at Devonshire Park. She credited her breakthrough to her coach, Aussie mentor Chris Mahony, telling him during the on-court celebration: “You’re a lifesaver.”
This victory catapults Joint to World No. 41, just in time for her highly anticipated Wimbledon debut on Tuesday, where she faces a tough opening test against Russia’s 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova.
“I’m feeling very happy right now—and relieved,” said Joint after the match. “It was incredibly tough. I lost nine of the last 10 games and was down 5-2 in the tiebreaker, but I just kept fighting.”
Eala’s Heartbreak, Joint’s Resilience
For Alexandra Eala, a rising star from the Philippines, the defeat was devastating. The 20-year-old was on the cusp of becoming her nation’s first-ever WTA champion. But For Alexandra Eala, a rising star from the Philippines, the defeat was devastating.
Ever the sportswoman, Joint consoled her opponent, promising: “We’ll definitely play in more finals.”
History Repeats: A Slam-Before-Slam Pattern?
Interestingly, Joint’s first WTA title came just five weeks ago at the Morocco Open, also right before a Grand Slam. However, she crashed out in the first round of the French Open. This time, the teen believes she’s better prepared — both mentally and physically.
“This feels a little different. I’ve got a day of rest, and I’ll focus fully on the next match,” she said. “I’m just excited to get to London and step into Wimbledon for the first time. And of course—enjoy some strawberries and cream!”
Historic Eastbourne Support from Australia’s Tennis Stars
At Wimbledon, news of Joint’s win spread quickly, delighting fellow Aussie and former Russian No.1 Daria Kasatkina, who practiced with her before Eastbourne.
“She struggled a bit on grass in practice,” said Kasatkina. “But look at her now—she’s already a WTA champion, hardworking, talented, and so humble. She has everything it takes.”
Why Maya Joint Is Australia’s Next Tennis Superstar
- Youngest Eastbourne winner in decades
- First Aussie female champ in tournament history
- World No. 41 and rising
- Two WTA titles in just two months
- Unbeatable resilience under pressure
With her fearless spirit, grounded attitude, and meteoric rise, Maya Joint isn’t just heading to Wimbledon — she’s bringing Australia’s hopes with her. NOWTREND
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