Britain’s Francesca Jones admitted she had “no idea what just happened” after fighting through injury and fatigue to reach the quarter-finals of the Auckland Classic.
Jones produced the biggest win of her career earlier in the week with a three-set victory over world number 15 Emma Navarro, a result that appeared to take a physical toll. Against Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus, the 25-year-old slipped a set and a break behind and twice required treatment from the physiotherapist.
Despite the setback, Jones recovered impressively, winning 12 of the final 14 games to seal a 1-6 6-4 6-1 victory.
“I’m actually really relieved that’s over,” Jones said after the match (Sky Sport New Zealand). “When you play someone like Emma in the first round and you get through that, physically and mentally it’s tough to pick yourself back up, especially in these conditions. I’m glad I got through that.”
Career Progress Despite Physical Challenges
British number three Jones broke into the world’s top 100 last year after winning two WTA 125 titles, the tier just below the main tour (WTA). Her rise has been particularly notable given she was once told by doctors that a professional tennis career would not be possible.
Jones was born with ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia (EEC), a rare genetic condition that means she has three fingers and a thumb on each hand, three toes on her right foot and four on her left.
Handling Heat and Pressure
The hot daytime conditions in Auckland tested Jones’ endurance, but she showed resilience under pressure. She saved nine of the 13 break points she faced and closed out the match in just over two hours.
“She was unplayable the first set and a half,” Jones said, reflecting on Kraus’ fast start (Sky Sport New Zealand). “I found it really tough to get used to playing in the day compared to the night. It’s a lot quicker.”
Jones will now face Chinese seventh seed Wang Xinyu with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Gauff Shines in United Cup
Elsewhere, Coco Gauff led the United States into the semi-finals of the United Cup mixed team event. Gauff beat Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-3 6-2, before teaming up with Christian Harrison to win a deciding mixed doubles match against Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6 6-4 10-8 (United Cup).
The United States will meet either Poland or hosts Australia in the last four.
Poland progressed after Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek eased past Suzan Lamens 6-3 6-2, while Hubert Hurkacz continued his comeback from knee injury with a straight-sets win over Tallon Griekspoor (United Cup).
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