Jones breaks through after ‘hardest moment of career’Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Francesca Jones is ranked 102 in the worldByEmily Salley, BBC Sport journalist and Harry Poole, BBC Sport journalistPublished15 minutes agoBritain’s Francesca Jones has always defied the odds to play elite-level tennis – but this season has tested her resilience like never before.On Sunday, she reached another milestone in a career that she was once told by doctors not to pursue.
Jones battled back from a set and a break down to beat Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 and reach the French Open second round – and claim her first Grand Slam match win in the process.
Jones was born with the rare genetic condition Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia (EEC) and plays with a modified racquet grip.
Earlier this year, she suffered lingering concussion symptoms following a freak gym accident in which the locking mechanism on a leg-press machine failed and a 45kg weight crashed onto her head and knee.
“I would say this has been arguably the hardest moment of my career, this year,” Jones told BBC Sport.
“Having clawed my way back [to win the match], it kind of makes it better.
“It shows that, irrespective of the difficulties and adversity, I’m still going to keep trying to play chess with myself and find a way forward.”
