Rising Australian tennis star Maya Joint has officially been named an ambassador for the Swisse Hot Shots Tennis program. The announcement arrives as the 20-year-old athlete prepares for her opening-round singles match against Sinja Kraus at the WTA China Open on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The Swisse Hot Shots Tennis initiative, recently rebranded following a partnership with leading health brand Swisse Wellness, focuses on connecting young Australian children with tennis. The grassroots program uses modified equipment and age-appropriate court designs to introduce children aged three to ten to the sport, helping build physical activity habits, confidence, and foundational life skills from an early age.
Joint joins world No. 7 Alex de Minaur as an official representative of the junior participation initiative. For Joint, the partnership represents a full-circle moment tied to her own introduction to the game.
I fell in love with tennis when I was really little, in kindergarten, so it’s pretty special to now be involved with a program that helps introduce kids to the sport. Swisse Hot Shots Tennis is such a fun way to learn. The modified equipment makes it easier for kids to rally, have success early and enjoy themselves from day one, which is so important when you’re starting out.
– Maya Joint
Preparing for the WTA China Open
Alongside her new off-court ambassador role, Joint is actively competing on the international circuit. She is scheduled to face Sinja Kraus in the round of 128 at the WTA China Open.
Predictive analytics platforms and statistical modeling give Joint a 75 percent probability of defeating Kraus in their opening singles match. Head-to-head odds heavily favor the Australian to advance to the next round, though analytics models also project a competitive start, with Kraus assigned a 57 percent probability of securing the opening set.
Commercial Alignment and Youth Development
Tennis Australia officials have emphasized the importance of corporate partnerships in driving long-term brand equity and youth participation across the nation. Tom Larner, Tennis Australia chief tennis officer, noted the value of establishing developmental foundations early.
“Swisse Hot Shots Tennis is where so many kids take their first steps in our sport, and creating a positive first experience is incredibly important,” Larner said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Swisse as naming rights partner and Maya as an ambassador for the program. Swisse shares our belief in helping kids build confidence, resilience and important life skills, while Maya’s story shows what’s possible when young players develop a love for the game from an early age.”
Swisse Wellness marketing director Stephanie Taylor echoed those sentiments, highlighting the brand’s commitment to community wellbeing and active family lifestyles.
“We know the positive impact sport can have on children’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing,” Taylor stated. “Swisse Hot Shots Tennis provides a fun and welcoming environment where kids can build confidence, make friends and develop lifelong healthy habits. We’re proud to partner with Tennis Australia to help more kids discover the joy of tennis and the benefits of being active.”
Maya Joint Career Highlights and Background
Coached by Chris Mahony, Joint started playing tennis in kindergarten near her local playground. Her father, Michael Joint, was a professional squash player, leading them to occasionally use squash rackets on local tennis courts. Known for favoring hard courts and clay surfaces, Joint has rapidly climbed the professional tennis ranks.
Singles and Doubles Milestones
- 2025 Singles Winner: Eastbourne, Rabat
- 2026 Singles Finalist: Seoul
- 2026 Doubles Winner: Monterrey (with Xu), Abu Dhabi (with Alexandrova)
- 2025 Doubles Winner: Rabat (with Kalashnikova)
- Career-High Ranking: Reached a career-high ranking of No. 32 following her standout 2025 season.
As Joint steps onto the court at the WTA China Open, her expanding influence both as a competitive professional and a grassroots ambassador highlights her growing impact on the sport of tennis globally and within Australia.
