Maya Joint joined an illustrious group on the WTA Tour with a record-breaking performance after defeating Donna Vekic in the round of 16 at the WTA 500 Mérida Open. The Australian matched Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Mirra Andreeva in a unique record against top-20 players.
At just 18 years old, Maya Joint is making a name for herself on the WTA Tour after becoming the fourth teenager to defeat a top-20 player while conceding three games or fewer. The Australian qualifier achieved the biggest victory of her career against world No. 20 Vekic with a stunning 6-1, 6-2 win.
History Made: Maya Joint match three top-10 players
The first player to achieve such a dominant win over a top-20 opponent was Iga Swiatek. The Pole did it twice on her way to her maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros 2020, at just 19 years old. She first defeated world No. 15 Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-2 in the opening round. A few days later, she shocked world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep with an identical 6-1, 6-2 scoreline in the fourth round.
A few years later, it was American Coco Gauff’s turn. The current world No. 3 first accomplished this feat in August 2023 at 19 years old. Gauff dominated world No. 14 Belinda Bencic 6-1, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the DC Open. That win sparked an incredible run, as Gauff went on to win 22 of her next 23 matches, clinching titles in Washington, Cincinnati, and the US Open.
The third player to join this exclusive club was Russia’s Mirra Andreeva, who became the youngest to defeat a top-20 player so comprehensively. The 16-year-old stunned world No. 6 Ons Jabeur 6-0, 6-2 in the second round of the 2024 Australian Open, eliminating one of the title favourites.
As of now, all three are ranked in the top 10. Swiatek, at 23 years old, is world No. 2 with five Grand Slam titles. Gauff, aged 20, sits at No. 3, with her 2023 US Open title being her most significant achievement. Meanwhile, Andreeva recently reached her career-high ranking of No. 9 after winning her first WTA 1000 in Dubai last weekend.
Can Joint reach the same heights as her peers?
Maya Joint’s rise continues: Top-100 secured
During 2024, Maya Joint reached the final of the WTA 125 Warsaw Open but fell to Alycia Parks. Still, she was already proving her ability to compete in bigger tournaments. She made her Grand Slam debut at the 2024 US Open, advancing to the second round after coming through qualifying and defeating Laura Siegemund before falling to Madison Keys.
At the start of 2025, she reached her first WTA semifinal in Hobart, defeating Olga Danilovic, Magda Linette, and Sofia Kenin before losing to Elise Mertens (2-6, 3-6).
Her victory over Vekic is not only the most significant of her career in terms of ranking but also sends her to her first WTA 500 quarterfinal. Joint has secured her place in the top 100, currently sitting at world No. 83 in the live rankings. She is also the second-youngest player in the top 150, behind only world No. 9 Mirra Andreeva, who is 17 years old.
TEENAGE DREAMING ✨
— wta (@WTA) February 27, 2025
18 year old and qualifier Maya Joint defeats Vekic 6-1, 6-2 and is into the next round in Merida! #MeridaOpen pic.twitter.com/fhu398RvZF
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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