Francesca Jones Claims First Grand Slam Win with 1-6 7-6 6-2 French Open Comeback
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 24
Francesca Jones Claims First Grand Slam Win with 1-6 7-6 6-2 French Open Comeback
11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 24
Francesca Jones rallied from a set and a break down to beat Beatriz Haddad Maia 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-2, reaching the French Open second round for her first Grand Slam match win.
The victory capped a difficult comeback after a torn hip muscle in January and a gym accident in which a 45kg weight struck her head and knee, leaving her with lingering concussion symptoms.
Jones, 25, had lost all six of her previous Grand Slam first-round matches and only entered the Roland Garros main draw after withdrawals pushed the world No. 102 into the field.
Born with the rare genetic condition EEC and using a modified racquet grip, the Briton now faces 27th seed Marie Bouzkova after a win she said reflected how hard this year has been.
After a freak gym accident nearly ended her career, what is the secret to Francesca Jones's Grand Slam comeback?
Told by doctors she could never play tennis, how did Francesca Jones turn her rare condition into a unique Grand Slam weapon?