AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 17, 2026

Maya Joint

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Maya, welcome back to the Australian Open. Just talk us through how you're feeling and how your preparations have been this summer.

MAYA JOINT: Thank you. Yeah, I got here yesterday. I hit this morning on Margaret Court Arena. I have had two pretty good tournaments, had a couple good matches.

Yeah, I'm really excited to get playing on Tuesday.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. What's it like heading into a Grand Slam as a seeded player?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, it's an exciting feeling, for sure, especially because it's my home event. Yeah, being seeded is definitely a little bit of a different feeling, but yeah, it's exciting.

Q. In what way? Like a different feeling? Does it add pressure, expectations, being at home?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I guess a little bit extra pressure, but yeah, I don't know (smiling).

Q. Do you feel more eyes on you this Australian Open?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I think I feel a couple more eyes on me. I think, yeah, just with being the No. 1 Aussie, I guess a bit more pressure and expectations from other people.

Q. When you think back at Australian women playing some of the greats of Australian tennis, who do you think of? Can you reflect on Australia's history?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I think Ash Barty, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Sam Stosur, Nicole Pratt. There are so many more. I don't want to forget anyone. Yeah, just so many amazing women that have come before all of us Aussies.

Q. Do you have much exposure to Ash or any advice that any of the women you just listed have shared with you over the years?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I've hit with Ash twice, and I've talked with her a little bit. I know Sam and Nicole, as well. I think I have a good relationship with them. I try and just learn as much as I can from them.

Q. Growing up so far from here, how was Australia like part of your life in your childhood? How was it incorporated into your upbringing?

MAYA JOINT: Not too much, I guess. I only went to Australia once when I was really young, so I don't remember it.

Yeah, I mean, I always had the Australian passport, and I was always a citizen, so I guess that's how I was always connected.

Q. The sunglasses that you play in, have you always done that? Are you surprised that other players don't do it, especially here?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I have always played with sunglasses. I am surprised that not a lot of other people do it. I just find it to be so bright outside. I don't know how other people can see (smiling).

Q. This time last year you were ranked outside the top 100. Can you think back to that time, and what goals did you set for yourself for the start of last year? Did you reach them? I'm assuming you probably did. Secondly, what goals have you set for the start of this year, now that you're a seeded player?

MAYA JOINT: I think my goals for last year were to win a WTA title, to get to the second round of a Grand Slam. I didn't set too many goals, ranking goals, or anything like that.

This year I'd like to win a 500 event, get to the fourth round of a Masters, third round of a slam, yeah.

Q. The question about the glasses, I want to ask about sun protection. Obviously tennis players are at a major risk of UV exposure. I assume you're very conscious of this with the glasses and sunscreen sponsor?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah.

Q. Tell us how and why you're so aware of it and so conscious of it.

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I mean, I always wear sunscreen, especially here in Oz. The sun is so strong, you get burnt so quickly. You just have to do it, yeah.

Q. Do you think players are given enough guidance by tours and tournaments about sun protection?

MAYA JOINT: I think the tournaments do a really good job. They always have sunscreen available and for you to use, but I think a lot of the players are doing a good job with that. I still know a couple of people that should probably wear more sunscreen (smiling).

Q. The nickname of the Ginger Ninja, can you explain or reflect more on that?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I put it on my Instagram bio a couple years ago. I just thought it sounded cool, and then it just caught on, I guess, yeah.

Q. Moving here just a few years ago, and you mentioned that the first part of your life has been in the U.S., what parts of the Australian culture or life have you embraced?

MAYA JOINT: I love going out for coffee. I don't do too many Aussie things (smiling). Yeah, I think just the coffee. That would be it.

Q. You played Mirra in Adelaide. Wondering what your thoughts are on her chances at the AO if she plays as well as she did down there?

MAYA JOINT: Yeah, I think she has a great chance. She won the final today. She had a great tournament last week. Yeah, she's a great player. She can beat anyone. I think she has a good chance.

Q. Your next opponent, what do you know about her, and what do you expect, and what have you got to get right?

MAYA JOINT: I don't know very much. I have never played her before. I'll have to take a look at some match footage and see how she plays, but I think it should be a good match.