Maya Joint Wins Eastbourne Open

Maya Joint was victorious at the Lexus Eastbourne Open. Picture: Adrian Dennis.

Australian teenager Maya Joint saved four match points to clinch the WTA title at Eastbourne with a dramatic victory over Alexandra Eala.

Joint survived a tense clash lasting two hours and 26 minutes, emerging with a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (12-10) win to clinch her second WTA Tour title.

In the youngest Eastbourne final since 1981, world number 51 Joint staved off four championship points in a gripping final-set tie-break.

She finally wrapped up the title by drilling a backhand winner before collapsing to the turf in delight.

“I’m very happy right now, feeling very relieved as well. It was a very difficult match, I’m proud of myself for coming back and staying in the match,” Joint said.

Having also defeated former Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu at Eastbourne over the last week, Joint has underlined her status as one of the rising stars of the women’s tour.

After winning on clay in Rabat in May, the 19-year-old has proved she can thrive on grass as well ahead of the start of Wimbledon on Monday.

Joint was unable to make it two trophies in one day as she and partner Hsieh Su-wei were beaten 6-4, 7-5 by Marie Bouzkova and Anna Danilina in the doubles final.