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Maya Joint thought her coaches were messing with her when they told her she would be playing Serena Williams in the first round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.
She said that she was too nervous to watch the draw so found out a short time later about her first round matchup. Former Australian tennis player and WTA World No. 1 doubles player Sam Stosur texted her the news.
Joint is an American-born Australian tennis player. The 20 year old was born in Michigan and is well aware of Serena’s dominance in the game. She describes it as a “pinch-me” moment to play the GOAT of the sport who stopped playing just as Joint was coming on to the WTA Tour.
MORE: Injured Naomi Osaka retires in Bad Homburg Open final, Karolina Muchova wins title
Joint won the 2025 Eastbourne Open. She is a sound player who has dealt with injuries in recent months.
Her strategy is to enjoy the moment but then put aside the opponent and just play the ball coming at her.
Jul 29, 2025; Montreal, QC, Canada; Maya Joint (AUS) returns the ball to Leylah Fernandez (CAN) in first round play at IGA Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
That will be easier said than done, but we will see if Joint bookends an Australian fingerprint on Serena’s latter years at Grand Slams.
Joint’s Australian compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic was the last player to play and defeat Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open.
MORE: ESPN plans to air much of Wimbledon on ESPN Unlimited
Showing athleticism, longevity, and determination, Serena’s WTA tennis return is great for the sport. It also gains a few extra eyes to the Wimbledon early rounds next week.
Can she realistically win Wimbledon? I suppose anything is possible in Grand Slam tennis, but the game is stacked with excellent competitors who will relish the chance to play and defeat the 44-year-old legend.
Continue reading...
She said that she was too nervous to watch the draw so found out a short time later about her first round matchup. Former Australian tennis player and WTA World No. 1 doubles player Sam Stosur texted her the news.
Joint is an American-born Australian tennis player. The 20 year old was born in Michigan and is well aware of Serena’s dominance in the game. She describes it as a “pinch-me” moment to play the GOAT of the sport who stopped playing just as Joint was coming on to the WTA Tour.
MORE: Injured Naomi Osaka retires in Bad Homburg Open final, Karolina Muchova wins title
Can Joint beat the nerves and Williams
Joint won the 2025 Eastbourne Open. She is a sound player who has dealt with injuries in recent months.
Her strategy is to enjoy the moment but then put aside the opponent and just play the ball coming at her.
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Jul 29, 2025; Montreal, QC, Canada; Maya Joint (AUS) returns the ball to Leylah Fernandez (CAN) in first round play at IGA Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
That will be easier said than done, but we will see if Joint bookends an Australian fingerprint on Serena’s latter years at Grand Slams.
Joint’s Australian compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic was the last player to play and defeat Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open.
MORE: ESPN plans to air much of Wimbledon on ESPN Unlimited
Serena’s return is great for women’s tennis
Showing athleticism, longevity, and determination, Serena’s WTA tennis return is great for the sport. It also gains a few extra eyes to the Wimbledon early rounds next week.
Can she realistically win Wimbledon? I suppose anything is possible in Grand Slam tennis, but the game is stacked with excellent competitors who will relish the chance to play and defeat the 44-year-old legend.
Continue reading...
