Teenage Australian tennis star Maya Joint has experienced an extraordinary rise over the past year, jumping from a debut at the US Open to becoming a top-ranked player with two WTA titles and a career-high ranking of 42.

Once ranked 738 in 2023, Maya's rapid ascent has made her the third-ranked teenager globally, attracting significant attention from sponsors and the tennis community.

Despite still feeling nervous and shy, Maya is gaining confidence and comfort on the tour, aided by her growing success and sponsorship deals, including becoming the first Australian sponsored by Red Bull.

Her journey has not been without challenges, including a legal dispute with the NCAA over forfeited earnings related to her college scholarship at the University of Texas, which she cites as part of her stance against NCAA rules.

Maya benefits from the support of fellow Australian Daria Kasatkina, who switched her allegiance from Russia to Australia earlier this year, sharing the pressures of professional tennis and providing friendship.

Her background in psychology and media training has helped her manage the stresses of professional tennis and social media negativity effectively.

Her breakthrough moments include winning her first WTA title in Rabat and her second on grass in Eastbourne, showcasing her versatility across different surfaces and boosting her confidence.

Maya's initial exposure to the limelight at the 2024 US Open was challenging, but she has improved her confidence and media skills through dedicated training and experience.

Building friendships on the tour has been crucial for Maya, helping her navigate the pressures of professional tennis, with her focus remaining on continuous improvement rather than just rankings or titles.

In 2025, she secured two WTA titles and made history as the first Australian to be sponsored by Red Bull, which even provided her hat at the US Open.

At age 16, Maya made a bold decision to switch her national allegiance from the United States to Australia, gaining access to better training opportunities at Australia’s National Tennis Academy in Brisbane.

Currently ranked No. 43, Maya is preparing for her second US Open appearance, aiming to improve with a first-round match against Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, focusing on growth rather than ranking obsession.

Her US Open debut last year saw her win her first Grand Slam match and reach the third round, setting high expectations for her upcoming performance.