Maya Joint secured a thrilling victory over Emma Raducanu in a dramatic third-set tiebreak, adding to her surprising upset of Ons Jabeur earlier this week. The young Australian showcased her resilience at the Lexus Eastbourne Open with a final score of 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4). This marks only Joint’s second career win on grass at the Hologic WTA Tour level, demonstrating her increasing prowess on the surface.
In another notable match, 20-year-old Alexandra Eala advanced after No. 3 seed Jelena Ostapenko retired due to a left foot injury, setting the stage for Eala’s promising path in the tournament.
Joint’s progress is remarkable, especially as she rises in the PIF WTA Rankings, now reaching No. 51 after starting the year at No. 119. Her impressive 15 match wins in 2025, including a title in Rabat, have further solidified her status in the competitive tennis landscape. “It’s really exciting… I usually don’t look at rankings, but it’s nice to see the number go up,” she expressed after learning about her ascension.
Their match featured a series of dramatic serves and breaks, with Joint managing to stage a comeback after dropping the first set. Raducanu, known for her adeptness on grass, initially took control but Joint’s persistence paid off. She displayed an aggressive playing style, highlighted by a decisive backhand and a confident ace to clinch the match.
Joint’s next challenge will be against Anna Blinkova, who advanced by defeating Lulu Sun. Eala will face the winner of a match between Dayana Yastremska and British wild card Francesca Jones.
As both players continue to carve out their paths in the tournament, the excitement around their journeys reflects the promising future of women’s tennis, with young talents stepping up to challenge established stars. The grass season offers a unique opportunity for players to shine, particularly with Wimbledon on the horizon, making these victories all the more significant.