Meet Australia’s next great grand slam hope, ahead of her fiercest test

But Joint said she would take heed from the last time she fought such a high-calibre opponent – her round-two US Open loss to Madison Keys – as she plotted a boilover.

“I’m really excited to play her. I’ll think back to my Madison Keys match – that was a great experience – and hopefully I can play well again.

“There were a lot of things I saw that I needed to improve in my own game to be competitive with those sorts of players.

“I had seen the draw beforehand, and it definitely motivated me to win this match more. I’m just excited to see how my game matches up against hers.”

It took just one grand slam victory for Joint to experience the wave of emotions that come off the tennis circuit – breakthrough elation followed by an immediate dilemma.

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She emerged victorious in the opening round of the 2024 US Open against Laura Siegemund, before suffering a 6-4, 6-0 defeat to 14th seed Keys.

But as she was set to play for the University of Texas Longhorns, Joint was unable to claim the $A207,000 payday from that win under National Collegiate Athletics Association rules.

But Joint has persevered, having garnered a wildcard to the Australian Open in what will be her debut in the tournament’s main draw.

And she believes the foundations laid at the Brisbane International will determine how far she can go in Melbourne.

“This tournament is super important … and I’m glad I got a good win under my belt, so I’ll take confidence from that,” Joint said.

“I’m excited, it will be my first main draw Aussie Open, but I can take confidence from my US Open main draw win.”

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