Fran Jones had a Miami Open to remember, despite having to retire in her second round match with Jessica Pegula.
Jones defeated Venus Williams in the first round of the Miami Open to pick up the very first WTA 1000 victory of her career.
She was less successful against Pegula, having to retire in the second set due to illness, after winning just one game.
Following the match, Jones distinguished the main difference between Pegula and Williams after playing them both in consecutive matches.
Fran Jones compares Venus Williams and Jessica Pegula after Miami matches
Jones was not at the races at all against Pegula as she exited the competition at the second round stage, but she puts that down to illness.
“I’ve been struggling with an infection the whole week. You can probably tell my voice is a bit congested and everything,” she said in her post-match press conference.
Who will win the Miami Open in 2026?
Vote now!
However, she was still impressed by what she saw from Pegula across the court from her as she swept her aside in dominating fashion.
Jones added: “I didn’t want to lose the opportunity to play Venus, but it’s a whole different ball game playing Jess. [She is] in my opinion, [one of] the top three players in the world.
“I think the stats probably say that as well. And you need to be 10 out of 10 for competing. So I’m probably at four out of 10 today.”
Explaining her decision to retire, the British star said: “If I’m not able to give my everything out there, I don’t see the point when I’m already battling my general fitness as it is.”
Jones’ retirement against Pegula is her third of the season, following the same result at the Australian Open and the ASB Classic.
Why Fran Jones should be happy despite Miami Open exit
Jones’ season has been derailed significantly due to injury and illness, but there have still been highs for the British star.
She has already beaten Emma Navarro and Williams this term in her first five tournaments of the season.
If you were in charge of tennis, what is the first rule you would change?
Jones’ victory against Williams is just about enough to keep the British star inside the top 100 of the rankings.
She is currently the World No. 99 following her exit from the Miami Open, which makes her the British number four, behind Emma Raducanu, Sonay Kartal, and Katie Boulter.
If Jones can keep herself inside the top 100 ahead of Roland Garros, she will receive instant access into the main draw of the Grand Slam.
