Australia’s highest-ranked women’s tennis player, Maya Joint, has outlined her key ambitions for the upcoming 2026 season following an impressive year on the WTA Tour. At just 19 years old, Joint achieved a career-high ranking of 32nd in the world during October, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. This year, she secured her first two titles, triumphing at a WTA 250 event in Rabat and later at the Eastbourne Open.
Reflecting on her successful campaign, Joint expressed surprise at her rapid ascent. “I definitely didn’t expect to end up this high in the rankings. It’s definitely a pleasant surprise,” she stated, as reported on the WTA website. She emphasized her consistent performance across various surfaces, noting, “Just the way that my season was going, I was playing some really good tennis and just having consistently good results.”
Goals for the 2026 Season
Looking ahead, Joint has set three ambitious goals for the 2026 season. She aims to win a WTA 500 event, reach the fourth round of a WTA 1000 tournament, and advance to the third round of a Grand Slam. These objectives reflect her intent to build on her current success and further establish herself among the elite players in women’s tennis.
Joint is optimistic about returning to familiar venues next year, stating, “I think it’s going to be exciting to have a second year on tour, where I’m going to mostly places that I’ve already been to, so it’s less new and scary in getting to find your way around.”
First Tournament of 2026: The United Cup
Joint’s first competition in 2026 will be at the United Cup, where she will represent Australia. The event will take place from January 2 to 11, featuring matches against teams from Czechia and Norway. Joint described the United Cup as a “really fun event to start the season off with” while acknowledging the unique pressures that come with representing her country. “When you’re playing for your country, you feel a different type of pressure,” she explained, adding that the team dynamic adds an extra layer of excitement and nerves.
As Joint prepares for her upcoming challenges, her aspirations for 2026 signal a commitment to excellence and a determination to capitalize on the momentum she has built over the past year. With her sights set on significant achievements, the tennis world will be watching closely as this young talent continues to carve her path on the international stage.
