Australian teenager Maya Joint has secured her first WTA Tour final appearance after compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic was forced to retire from their semifinal clash at the WTA 250 clay tournament in Rabat on May 23, 2025.
The 19-year-old Joint claimed the first set 6-4 before Tomljanovic was unable to continue due to an abdominal muscle injury, bringing a premature end to the all-Australian encounter.
In what adds an intriguing subplot to their careers, the two Australians are already scheduled to face each other again in the opening round of the 2025 French Open next week.
The final will see Joint take on Romania's Jaqueline Cristian, who emerged victorious from a grueling three-hour battle against second seed Camila Osorio. Cristian displayed remarkable resilience in her 6-7(6-8), 6-4, 6-4 triumph over the Colombian.
According to Statbet analytics, Cristian's physical conditioning has been exceptional this season, helping her maintain performance during extended three-set matches like today's semifinal.
Cristian will be appearing in just her second career final, having previously fallen short against American Alison Riske in the 2021 Linz tournament. The Romanian will be determined to capture her maiden WTA title when she faces the Australian newcomer in the championship match in Rabat.
