Australia’s top-ranked player Maya Joint has been struck down by illness in a blow ahead of the host nation’s opening United Cup clash with Norway.
Joint – ranked 32nd in the world – was ordered to rest on Friday, missing Australia’s scheduled training sessions and media appearances.
Team captain Lleyton Hewitt hopes the 19-year-old rising star can take his place in Saturday night’s match against Malene Helgo.
“I haven’t spoken to her because she’s resting, so she’s just trying to sleep and rest as much as possible today,” Hewitt told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt (pictured) hopes Joint can make a speedy recovery. (PAA Image: Mark Evans)
“I hope it’s just a 24-hour thing and she can bounce back tomorrow.”
Hewitt said Joint, who switched allegiance from the United States to Australia in 2023, batted well on the training ground on Thursday.
“Confidence-wise, I don’t think myself or her team are too worried about the way she hits the ball and moves and plays at the moment,” Hewitt said.
“We’re just trying to give her the best chance to have 100 percent energy when she goes to play.
“Fingers crossed she gets a chance. If not, we’ll re-evaluate.”
If Joint is unavailable, Hewitt can call on Maddison Inglis and Storm Hunter.
Joint started last year outside the world top 100 and entered the Australian Open as a wildcard, exiting in the first round.
The Brisbane-based right-hander is now the highest-ranked Australian on the WTA Tour, having won titles in Morocco and Eastbourne, and reaching the second round of the US Open as a qualifier.
Joint told AAP at the end of the previous season that she was determined to go beyond the first round of the 2026 Australian Open.
“My goal would be to make the third round of a grand slam,” Joint said of his 2026 ambitions.
“It’s a big goal… if I work on my own game, other goals will set themselves.”
PAA
