Great Britain’s Francesca Jones produced one of the most courageous performances of her career in Auckland, battling physical issues and brutal conditions to book her place in the Auckland Classic quarter-finals.
Just 24 hours after recording the biggest win of her career against world number 15 Emma Navarro, the British number three was pushed to her limits once again — this time by Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus. What followed was a dramatic display of resilience, self-belief and competitive spirit as Jones recovered from a slow start to claim a 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory.
After sealing the win, the 25-year-old admitted she was still processing what she had achieved.
“I honestly have no idea what just happened,” Jones said with a smile in her post-match interview with Sky Sport New Zealand.
“I’m just really relieved it’s over.”
Physio Calls and Early Struggles in the Auckland Heat
The match appeared to be slipping away from Jones early on. She dropped the opening set heavily and then fell a break behind in the second, visibly struggling with the physical toll of back-to-back matches in oppressive daytime heat.
Jones twice called for the physiotherapist, raising concerns that her memorable Auckland run might be coming to an abrupt end.
But instead of fading, she found another gear.
From midway through the second set onward, Jones flipped the momentum completely. She steadied her serve, began extending rallies and forced Kraus into errors, eventually winning 12 of the final 14 games to close out the match in just over two hours.
Mental Reset After Career-Best Victory
Jones acknowledged that overcoming Navarro in the opening round — a landmark victory against a top-15 opponent — had taken a significant toll both mentally and physically.
“When you play someone like Emma in the first round and you get through that, it takes a lot out of you,” she explained.
“Physically and mentally, it’s tough to pick yourself back up, especially in these conditions.”
She added that the switch from night matches to daytime play also played a role.
“She was unplayable for the first set and a half. The court feels so much quicker during the day, and I found it hard to adjust.”
A Journey Defined by Resilience
Jones’ success carries deeper meaning than just ranking points.
Born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia (EEC) — a rare genetic condition that affects the development of hands and feet — she was once told by doctors that a professional tennis career was unlikely.
Jones has three fingers and a thumb on each hand, three toes on her right foot and four on her left, yet she has defied every expectation placed on her.
In 2025, she broke into the WTA top 100 for the first time after winning two WTA 125 titles, cementing her status as one of Britain’s most inspiring athletes.
Now ranked 72nd in the world, her Auckland run continues to underline just how far she has come.
Tactical Grit Makes the Difference
Despite her physical discomfort, Jones showed impressive tactical discipline against Kraus. She saved nine of the 13 break points she faced, demonstrating composure under pressure and an ability to problem-solve when momentum turned against her.
Once she gained control of the baseline exchanges, the match swung decisively in her favor.
Quarter-Final Clash Awaits
Jones will now face seventh seed Wang Xinyu of China for a place in the semi-finals — another major test as she continues her comeback trail in New Zealand.
A victory would represent yet another milestone in a tournament already filled with personal breakthroughs.
Elsewhere: Swiatek Leads Poland to United Cup Quarter-Finals
Away from Auckland, Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek continued her strong start to the season by helping Poland advance to the United Cup quarter-finals.
The world number two eased past Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-2, after Hubert Hurkacz defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).
Poland will now take on hosts Australia in the next round on Friday.
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