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 earth — was ordered to relaxation on Friday, lacking Australia’s scheduled media and follow classes.
Workforce captain Lleyton Hewitt stays hopeful the 19-year-old rising star will be capable of take her place in Saturday night time’s match towards Malene Helgo.
“I have never 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 at present,” 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 mentioned Joint, who switched allegiance from america to Australia in 2023, hit effectively on the follow court docket on Thursday.
“Confidence-wise, I do not suppose myself or her crew are too frightened about how she’s hitting the ball and transferring and taking part in in the mean time,” Hewitt mentioned.
“We’re simply making an attempt to provide her the perfect likelihood of getting 100 per cent vitality when she goes on the market to play.
“Fingers crossed she will get the prospect. 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 exterior 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 received 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 objective could be to make the third spherical of a grand slam,” Joint mentioned of her 2026 ambitions.
“That is an enormous objective … if I work by myself sport then different targets will set themselves up.”
AAP
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