Maya Joint denies Alex Eala to lift title after thrilling Eastbourne Open final

Oli Dickson Jefford 28 Jun 2025 4:28 PM

Pictured: Maya Joint celebrates after a win.

Maya Joint celebrates a win.

Maya Joint saved four championship points as she denied Alex Eala a historic first WTA Tour title in a thrilling Eastbourne Open final.

In a pulsating clash between the two WTA Tour rising stars, Joint rallied from the brink of defeat in the decider to triumph 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(10) to win her first WTA title on grass courts.

Nineteen-year-old Joint won her first WTA title in Rabat earlier this year, and looked primed to win her second after breaking late on to take the opening set at Devonshire Park.

Eala roared back with a dominant second set and took full control with an early break in the decider, only for the Australian to win four straight games and move two games from the title.

The Filipina broke back in an enthralling deciding set and held four championship points in a pulsating tiebreak, only for Joint to convert a second match point of her own to seal victory.

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“Alex, first of all, amazing playing, great week,” said Joint, in a classy tribute to her beaten opponent.

“We’ll definitely play in many more finals. You’ve been having such an amazing year, so great job to you and your team, and all the best of luck for next week from us to you.

“Thank you to the LTA and Lexus for hosting this event. This is my first time in Eastbourne, and you really made us feel at home. What an amazing crowd, you guys came and supported every day, so thank you!

“I’d like to thank my coach, Chris [Mahoney]. It’s been such an amazing two years, and I really hope we can keep working together.”

Victory for Joint seals a stunning rankings rise, with the Australian now on the cusp of a top-40 debut.

Currently at a career-high ranking of world No 51, the 19-year-old will rise ten places to a new high of world No 41 on Monday, cementing her place as the Australian No 2 behind Daria Kasatkina.

Eala, who was looking to become the first Filipina woman to lift a WTA title, could have moved to world No 52 with victory, though she will still rise to a new career-high ranking of world No 56 on Monday.

The Filipina will next be in action at Wimbledon, where she faces a blockbuster clash versus 17th seed and defending champion Barbora Krejcikova on Tuesday.

Joint also has a tough opening-round match against 19th seed Liudmilla Samsonova, with that match also set to take place on Tuesday.