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AAP
AAP
Sport
Ian Chadband

Grim Aussie start but Joint venture lifts Paris gloom

Australia's newest tennis champ Maya Joint has breezed into Paris with a giggle, a slight air of disbelief but the unshakeable confidence of a fearless teen who quite fancies the idea of shocking everyone again with her first deep run at a grand slam.

And the sight of the freshly minted 19-year-old Morocco Open champ excitedly taking a first hit on the Roland Garros clay on Sunday after a "crazy" couple of days when she won her first two WTA titles, in singles and doubles, felt just the pick-me-up the Aussies needed after a gloomy opening day wipe-out at the French Open.

Wildcards Destanee Aiava, and Tristan Schoolkate both succumbed in straight sets on Sunday to hardened claycourt denizens while Rinky Hijikata's attempt at playing David to the giant American Reilly Opelka's Goliath didn't play to script either.

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