A new wave of talent is gaining attention across the WTA tour. Teen star Mirra Andreeva has already earned wins over top-10 players, and Alexandra Eala continues to progress with each event. With more young players breaking through the ranks, the spotlight is starting to shift toward those who are quietly building momentum on the biggest stages.
Among them is Maya Joint, a promising teenager who recently stepped into the main draw spotlight at high-level tournaments like Indian Wells and Rome. She’s part of a growing group of players testing themselves against the best in the world and holding their own, even as the fields get tougher. While her name might still be new to some fans, her game is quickly turning heads.
Now, as she prepares for a high-profile match against Emma Raducanu at a WTA 1000 event, Joint finds herself in a bigger spotlight than ever. Before the two face off, here’s a closer look at the rising player’s background, her early influences, and what’s already shaping up to be a compelling career.
How old is Joint?
Maya Joint is 18 years old. She was born on April 16 in 2006. Her recent run through Indian Wells qualifying, which included a gritty three-set win over Mirjam Bjorklund, marked another milestone in a breakout season that has seen her jump into the Top 100 of the WTA rankings.
Maya Joint ( Steve Bell/Getty Images)
Where is Maya Joint from?
Joint was born in Detroit and spent the first 16 years of her life in Michigan. She learned the game on local courts near her home, often practicing with her father using a squash racquet before she had a proper tennis one. Her early development was shaped in the U.S., but her career has taken a turn toward a different tennis culture in recent years.
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She was World No. 4, won the French Open, holds a WTA record and recovered from a serious illness
Who is her family and her coach?
Her father, Michael Joint, is a former professional squash player from Australia. He played a key role in introducing her to racquet sports. On the other hand, Maya is currently coached by Chris Mahone.
Why does Maya Joint represent Australia?
Despite her American upbringing, Joint holds Australian citizenship through her father. At 15, she made the decision to switch her tennis nationality from the United States to Australia after feeling a lack of support from the U.S. federation. Tennis Australia offered her an opportunity to train in Brisbane, and after a successful two-week trial, she made the move permanent.
Career’s highlights so far
Joint’s progress over the past year has been rapid. Ranked No. 331 in the world just 12 months ago, she broke into the Top 100 in early 2025. Her run to the quarterfinals at the WTA 500 event in Merida included a standout win over World No. 20 Donna Vekic. She followed that up by qualifying for the main draws at Indian Wells and Rome. Now ranked No. 85, she is one of only two teenagers in the current Top 100, alongside Mirra Andreeva.
