AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 12, 2025

Maya Joint

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Maya, welcome to the Australian Open. Talk about the last couple of weeks, the start of the season, the great matches you got in in Hobart.

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I came to Australia a couple months ago to start my pre-season. I was training in Brisbane for a couple weeks, then started with the Brisbane International, then played Hobart. Had a lot of great matches there.

I'm really excited for this tournament.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Big match coming up, big-name player. How do you feel about the occasion?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I'm really excited. It's my first main draw here, so nothing to lose. Just go out and have fun.

Q. We spoke in Brisbane about how you didn't feel like you belonged at the US Open last year. Now you're playing against someone who made the final in that tournament. Did you watch that match? How are you feeling about it?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I remember watching that match (smiling).

I'm really excited to play it, test myself against the best players. Yeah, I'm just excited to be here.

Q. How much confidence did you get out of your performances?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I think I get a lot of confidence. I played really good matches there. Yeah, they were all high quality. Prepared me I think really well for this tournament, so...

Q. In terms of just how this whole kind of process is, you probably just got here because you were in Hobart for so long, but does it feel at all overwhelming coming to what us your home slam with a little bit of wind behind your back?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I got here yesterday. I came on-site yesterday just to do some recovery things.

I think it helped that I was able to play quallies last year here. Just kind of got used to the atmosphere. But I haven't really felt overwhelmed or anything. I'm just really excited.

Q. For those who haven't seen you play, could you talk about your game style.

MAYA JOINT: I think I'd be an aggressive baseliner, try to hit winners. Just working on coming to the net more, being as aggressive as I can.

Q. Obviously it's been maybe not the, since Ash retired, not the best time for Australian women. There are a bunch of young girls coming through. How exciting is it to be part of that?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, there's a lot of great players that are, like, just outside the top hundred. It's really nice to be a part of such a great group of girls. We all support each other. We all message each other after matches, win or loss. It's really nice to be a part of that.

Q. What have you set yourself as your goals for 2025?

MAYA JOINT: I'd like to get inside the top hundred. I'd like to play all of the slams. Just improve my game mentally, improve all aspects of it.

Q. Your journey representing Australia is a little bit different. Last year you talked about the qualifying, having an Australian flag next to your name on the scoreboards. How do you feel the crowd embraced you? What are you expecting from them? Do you think you can be lifted by that home crowd this week?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I switched over to Australian in 2023. It's been amazing. I mean, when I played here for the first time, they really made me feel like I was always representing Australia.

Yeah, it's been great. I was playing in Brisbane and in Hobart. The same thing: they really supported me very well. I'm excited for this one.

Q. How much do you know about John Cain Arena, the reputation it has for Australian players loving it, Nick Kyrgios is going to be following you on that court? Are you expecting a great, rowdy atmosphere? If you are, how much are you preparing for that?

MAYA JOINT: Well, I hit on John Cain this morning. There wasn't anyone in there (smiling). I got a feel for the court. Hopefully it will be full of Aussie fans. Excited to play on it.

Q. Is that something you thrive on, that atmosphere, everyone gets right behind you?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I think I'm getting used to it (smiling).

Q. Do you feel like maybe having the underdog status going into this match against a very tough opponent maybe relaxes you and takes the pressure off for you to go all out?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, it definitely does. I like being the underdog in matches. Just go out, have no pressure, see what I can do.

Q. Your win at the US Open last year must give you a big boost going into a match like this. Did you end up getting the prize money? There was a bit of confusion about it, college rules, all that stuff. Did you get that nice big check?

MAYA JOINT: No, I just took what covered my expenses. I was fine with NCAA requirements.

Q. What do you make of Jess as an opponent? I don't know if you know her at all through USTAs. What do you think is going to be the challenge for you against her?

MAYA JOINT: I've never met her, so I don't know her personally. I've watched her play on television. I'm excited to be able to play against someone of her ranking and strength and accomplishments.

I think she hits the ball pretty hard. Just prepare myself for that.