Australia’s top-ranked feminine participant Maya Joint has been laid low by sickness in a blow forward of the host nation’s opening United Cup conflict with Norway.
Joint — ranked thirty second on the planet — was ordered to relaxation on Friday, lacking Australia’s scheduled media and observe classes.
Crew captain Lleyton Hewitt stays hopeful the 19-year-old rising star will have the ability to take her place in Saturday night time’s match towards Malene Helgo.
“I have not spoken to her as a result of she’s resting, so [she’s] simply making an attempt to get as a lot sleep and relaxation as attainable as we speak,” Hewitt advised reporters in Sydney on Friday.
Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt (pictured) is hoping Joint is ready to make a swift restoration. (AAP Picture: Mark Evans)
“Hopefully it is solely a 24-hour factor and she will be able to bounce again tomorrow.”
Hewitt stated Joint, who switched allegiance from the US to Australia in 2023, hit effectively on the observe courtroom on Thursday.
“Confidence-wise, I do not assume myself or her crew are too anxious about how she’s hitting the ball and transferring and enjoying in the intervening time,” Hewitt stated.
“We’re simply making an attempt to present her the most effective probability of getting 100 per cent power when she goes on the market to play.
“Fingers crossed she will get the possibility. If not, then we’ll re-evaluate.”
If Joint is unavailable, Hewitt has Maddison Inglis and Storm Hunter to name upon.
Joint began final 12 months ranked outdoors the world’s high 100 and entered the Australian Open as a wildcard, exiting within the first spherical.
The Brisbane-based right-hander is now the top-ranked Australian on the WTA circuit, having gained titles at Morocco and Eastbourne, and reached the second spherical of the US Open as a qualifier.
Joint advised AAP on the finish of the earlier season that she was decided to maneuver past the primary spherical of the 2026 Australian Open.
“My aim can be to make the third spherical of a grand slam,” Joint stated of her 2026 ambitions.
“That is a giant aim … if I work alone recreation then different objectives will set themselves up.”
AAP
