British No 4 Fran Jones secured her first WTA 1000 main-draw victory with a 7-5, 7-5 win over American legend Venus Williams at the Miami Open. The 25-year-old, who has struggled with illness and injury this year, was still sick when she took to the court but produced a gritty performance in humid conditions.
Jones, who has the rare genetic condition EEC syndrome and was born with a thumb and three fingers on each hand and seven toes, paid tribute to Williams after the match. 'All I could focus on was how good Venus looked when she walked on court with her silver jacket,' Jones said. 'I just tried to focus on myself, I've had a tough year so far, lots of injuries and illnesses.'
The pair traded breaks early in the first set before Jones edged ahead, serving her first ace to hold for 5-5 and breaking Williams with a clever moonball. She held her nerve to serve out the set in 47 minutes. In the second set, Williams broke for a 2-0 lead, but Jones fought back, saving two break points and breaking at 5-5 to close out the win in an hour and 50 minutes.
Jones, who beat world No 15 Emma Navarro in January, will next face world No 5 Jessica Pegula. She reflected on the significance of the win, saying: 'I was told I wouldn't be able to play tennis when I was younger. At five years old my dad took me to Wimbledon to see the Williams sisters play... They're the reason I'm here today.'
In the men's draw, British qualifier Arthur Fery lost 6-1, 7-6(4) to Stefanos Tsitsipas, while British No 3 Jacob Fearnley retired after losing the first set 6-0 to Martin Damm.
