Maya Joint said she felt differently after saving a match point and preventing Laura Pigossi from serving out for a shock win in the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs.
After Kim Birrell put Australia in front by beating 15-year-old Brazilian Nauhany Vitoria Leme da Silva, Joint had a chance to complete her nation's triumph by overcoming world No. 193 Pigossi.
Considering that Joint has had a breakthrough season in 2025 (she won her maiden WTA title in Eastbourne and enjoys a career-high ranking of No. 32) - while Pigossi is ranked just inside the top-200 - some would think that the Australian would have an easy day at the office. But after the Brazilian world No. 193 opened a 6-2 5-3 lead, it was all but a good situation for her home favorite.
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Then, a major comeback ensured. Firstly, Joint saved a match point on Pigossi's serve in the 10th game of the second set. The reigning Eastbourne champion ended up taking nine games in a row en route to completing a 2-6 7-5 6-1 comeback.
Joint: Saving a match point and going back to my serve changed the whole thing
"Tennis changes so quickly. Just one point here or there really changes the whole match around. After I saved that match point and was able to go back on serve, finally in the second set, that really changed the whole thing. Then in the third set, I just needed to stick with it. I knew that she's a fighter and that she's always going to be able to come back, so I need to stay focused and stay in the moment," the 19-year-old reflected.
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Two days earlier, Australia defeated Portugal. the rising Australian star contributed by beating Francisca Jorge 7-5 7-5.
By winning Group E in Hobart, Australia secured a place in next April's Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers.
For Joint, this was her first year playing in the Billie Jean King Cup.
