It’s time for experience versus youth in R32 of the 2025 Brisbane International. Belarusian tennis star, Victoria Azarenka takes on the American-born Australian tennis player, Maya Joint in this epic encounter. They have an age gap of almost 17 years in between them! Can Joint upset the two-time Grand Slam champion or will Azarenka use her experience to good effect?

Victoria Azarenka vs Maya Joint: Preview

Victoria Azarenka didn’t win any title in the 2024 season. However, she did manage to make longer runs in quite a few tournaments last year. Take for example, she started her season reaching the SF of the Brisbane International, but was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka in two sets. Apart from that, Azarenka also reached the SF of the Miami Open and the Grass Court Championships in Berlin, but she failed to bring out her A-game when it mattered the most. Can she make a winning start to her campaign in 2025?

Her opponent, Maya Joint won two titles last season. The first one came at the ITF Australia 02A where she defeated Japan’s Aoi Ito in a three-set thriller. Then the second one came at the W25 Dominican Republic 02A. Apart from that, she also reached the final of the ITF USA 13A and QF of the Porto Open. Even in the WTA 125K Warsaw, PL, Maya Joint managed to reach the final. She’s now entering this battle against Victoria Azarenka, following her 6-3,6-4 victory over her compatriot Maddison Inglis.

Azarenka vs Joint: Head-to-Head

The former world number one, Victoria Azarenka hasn’t faced Maya Joint in her career so far. This will be their first meeting, so the H2H scoreline is currently at 0-0.

Prediction: Azarenka to win in straight sets

Victoria Azarenka‘s vast experience will come in handy in this tournament. She also has a good record at Brisbane International. Also, Azarenka (20) had a win-loss record of 30-15 last year. On the other hand, Maya Joint (116) has a win-loss record of just 1-2 on the main Tour. However, her numbers (51-21) are quite impressive on the ITF level. Still, at the moment, Joint looks a bit unmatched as compared to Azarenka. However, she has enormous potential to do wonders in the coming years.

Maya Joint was impressive in her first match against Maddison Inglis. She was especially good on the return and also broke her opponent in four of the six opportunities. So, Victoria Azarenka needs to be a bit wary of this. However, playing in front of the home crowd against a former world number one is always going to be challenging for Joint.

Talking about Victoria Azarenka’s playing style, well, she’s more of an aggressive baseliner who’s known for hitting the ball hard, flat, and early on the rise. Despite hitting her groundstrokes with relentless power and depth, Azarenka aims to move her opponents around the court, counterpunching until she can create the opportunity to hit a low-risk winner. Her biggest weapon is her two-handed backhand. She often uses it to dominate her opponents. Her signature shot is her backhand down the line.

She also possesses a strong forehand and a decent first serve. However, a high number of double faults has been a major concern for her over the years. Apart from that, Victoria Azarenka is also known for her intensity, movement, speed, court coverage, footwork, and incredible balance, allowing her to blend offense and defense effectively. Considering all these factors, Azarenka is the favorite to win this match in straight sets.