Young Australian Maya Joint’s dream run in Hobart came to an end in the semi-finals.
She fell to second-seed Elise Mertens 6-2 6-3 in just under 80 minutes.
Despite the loss, it’s been a career-changing week for Joint.
Click here to watch live tennis on Stan Sport.
The 18-year-old made her first-ever WTA Tour semi-final, defeated a top-50 player for the first time and moved to a career-high of No.105 in the live rankings.
The result also came after a second-round appearance in Brisbane where she lost in three tight sets to former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka.
"I really like that the season starts in Australia," she said earlier in the week.
"The home crowd support is really special."
Joint will face a tough test at the Australian Open when she faces seventh-seed Jessica Pegula in the first round.
Pegula, last year's US Open finalist, plays the final of Adelaide today against compatriot Madison Keys.
Hobart final
The final of Hobart will be between Belgian Elise Mertens and American McCartney Kressler.
This will be the fourth Hobart final for Mertens, and she is a two-time champion.
Kessler has just finished her first year on tour after coming through the collegiate system.
The 25-year-old already has the Cleveland title to her name and will be hoping to add her second in today’s final.
Sports FX empowers professional athletes with tailored currency management solutions that help you maximise your earnings while competing globally. To see how it works head to www.sportsfx.com.au
コメント