Wimbledon 2026 LIVE: Joint, Eala forced into third set decider; Princess of Wales watches on as ‘the Demon’ advances

London: Another extraordinary hitting display from Maya Joint has her halfway to the third round.

Australia’s Serena slayer risked a letdown after the hype of her first-round match on centre court, but Joint maintained her ball-striking heroics to win a high-quality opening set 6-3 over Filipina Alexandra Eala.

Maya Joint reacts.Getty Images

Joint went on the attack from the start, breaking Eala – who is playing with heavy strapping high on her right leg – in the second game and overpowering her at times.

A 12th winner on her third set point, with Eala a sitting duck at the net, sealed a second break and a one-set lead for Joint, who appears all the way back to her best.

As usual, Eala has the lion’s share of the crowd’s support, but Joint had the ultimate preparation for those circumstances against Serena Williams two days ago.

Joint leads 6-3, 1-0 with Eala serving.