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Posts tagged as “Maya Joint”

Alex Eala defeats Maya Joint to advance to 2026 Wimbledon 3rd round

July 2, 2026

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala secured a historic milestone at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, roaring back to defeat Australia’s Maya Joint 3–6, 6–2, 6–0 on Thursday, July 2nd. The 29th-seeded Eala initially struggled to find her rhythm on Court 3, dropping the opening set to a dangerous opponent who had just upset 23-time Grand Slam icon Serena Williams.

Backed by a passionate, flag-waving Filipino crowd that felt like a home audience, Eala completely turned the tide with supreme grit. She adjusted her baseline depth and attacked the net aggressively. After commanding the second set, Eala unleashed a flawless performance in the decider, handing Joint a 6–0 “bagel.” This victory successfully avenged a heartbreaking loss to Joint at last year’s Eastbourne finals and established Eala as the first-ever Filipino singles player in the Open Era to reach the third round of a Grand Slam.

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Eala’s historic breakthrough sets up a blockbuster third-round clash against World No. 3 and defending champion Iga Swiatek. This highly anticipated singles encounter is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026. Before that singles showdown, Eala takes the court for opening-round doubles action alongside partner Nikola Bartunkova against Sofia Kenin and Jelena Ostapenko.

Maya Joint takes down Serena Williams at 2026 Wimbledon

July 1, 2026

Cole Bambini wrote, “Serena Williams gave Wimbledon another chance to look at the sport’s greatness on Tuesday. And for her opponent Maya Joint — who defeated the seven-time Wimbledon champion 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 in Williams’ first singles match in nearly four years — she fulfilled a lifelong dream and won the biggest match of her career.”

The win sets up a July 2nd match between Maya Joint and Alex Eala, who took care of her opponent in an earlier match.

Alex Eala Crushes Renata Zarazúa to Seal Historic First Wimbledon Win

June 30, 2026

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala made history at the All England Club on Tuesday, dominating Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa 6-1, 6-2 to secure her first-ever main draw victory at Wimbledon.

Stepping onto the grass courts as a tournament seed (No. 29) for the first time in her career, the 21-year-old Eala looked completely in control from the outset. After an early 1-1 deadlock in the opening frame, Eala showcased brilliant baseline grit—surviving a marathon sixth game that featured seven deuces—to break Zarazúa’s serve and run away with the match. She wrapped up the commanding straight-sets victory in just one hour and 18 minutes.

Following her historic breakthrough, Eala advances to the second round, where a blockbuster matchup awaits. She will face the winner of the highly anticipated first-round match between 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams—making a wildcard comeback—and Australia’s Maya Joint.

Eala is scheduled to return to the court for her second-round match on Thursday, July 2, 2026, as she looks to extend her phenomenal grass-court campaign.

Source: WTA

Alex Eala suffers a heartbreaking defeat at the WTA Lexus Eastbourne Open Finals

June 29, 2025

WTA;

Maya Joint rallied to win one of the year’s toughest matches at the Lexus Eastbourne Open on Saturday, securing her second Hologic WTA Tour singles title of 2025.

In a matchup of two of the Hologic WTA Tour’s brightest young talents, 19-year-old Maya Joint of Australia saved four championship points to edge 20-year-old qualifier Alexandra Eala of the Philippines 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (10) in Saturday’s final.

It was a tough match but just by reaching the WTA Finals, Alex Eala is already a winner in the hearts the Filipinos. If her trajectory continues to go up, she will face Maya Joint in the future.

Here’s the game high lights.

Alex Eala Makes History: First Filipina to Reach WTA Eastbourne Finals

June 28, 2025

Alexandra “Alex” Eala has become the first Filipina Tennis player ever to reach a WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) final. She secured her spot by defeating fellow qualifier Varvara Gracheva in a tough semifinal match at the Lexus Eastbourne Open, with a final score of 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.

Eala will face 19-year-old Australian Maya Joint for the championship title this Saturday, June 28th.

You watch some of the game highlights featuring Alexandra Eala vs. Varvara Gracheva from the Eastbourne Semifinal 2025.