Francesca Jones defeated Venus Williams, 7-5, 7-5, in the first round of the Miami Open.
Approaching the American legend at the net, Jones bowed.
They exchanged words before Williams wished Jones luck for the rest of the tournament.
It’s the end of the 2026 season… How many matches has Venus Williams won this year? Where is she ranked? Let us know in the comments👇
Speaking to Laura Robson after the match, Jones revealed exactly what she said to the former world number one.
Francesca Jones told Venus Williams she says ‘goodnight’ to her every day
“You have to respect them [the greats],” said Jones.
“Someone on my team worked with her for quite a while, and we hit with her a month ago.
“I just told her I say goodnight to you and Serena [Williams] every night because you’re still on the wall of my childhood bedroom, and she just laughed.
“But we know each other well enough for me to make a couple of jokes, but there is a lot of truth to that.
“I genuinely still have her on my wall, and I’m so grateful to have that chance.
“I was told I wouldn’t be able to play tennis when I was younger.
- FACT – Francesca Jones was born with a thumb and three fingers on each hand, as a result of the rare genetic condition, ‘Ectrodactyly–ectodermal dysplasia–cleft syndrome.’
“It was when I was five years old, my dad took me to Wimbledon to watch the Williams sisters play, and if it weren’t for that experience, I really don’t know if I would have pursued tennis in the way that I have.”
Jones was full of respect for Williams and suggested she might not have walked on court had she been drawn against any other opponent.
“I have not got the best fitness, right now,” she said.
“I’m doing what I can. Third sets aren’t where I want to be at the moment, so for me, it was either go big or go home.
“Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was going to come out, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to play against Venus.
“I thought I missed that opportunity when I was 16, 17, when she initially retired, or she never officially retired, but she stopped playing.
“To have that opportunity inspired me to get out here, and I’m really grateful that I had the chance to get out here.”
The 25-year-old admitted she couldn’t stop smiling before her first-round match against Williams.
“I couldn’t stop smiling, because she came out in that jacket, I was like, it’s Venus!” said Jones.
“They started doing the announcements, ‘World number one, all her gold medals, Grand Slams’, I just stopped to applaud, because I was like, there’s not much I can do here, I’ve just got to take it in!”
During Sky Sports’ post-match coverage, Annabel Croft shared her thoughts on the match.
“I loved watching that match, it was terrific for so many different reasons,” she said.
“Regardless of whatever Venus Williams’ ranking is, this is still a wonderful win for Fran Jones, [against] one of the great champions of our sport.
Where are Venus Williams and Francesca Jones ranked?
- 93rd – Francesca Jones – 815 points
- 517th – Venus Williams – 103 points
“She really made life difficult.
“Look at the reception she [Williams] is getting as she is leaving the court, people enjoyed watching her, but well played Fran Jones, she earned that victory.”
Jones deserved the win and the praise that comes along with it, but what’s next for her opponent, Williams?
Venus Williams loses ninth consecutive singles match
The 45-year-old has now lost nine consecutive singles matches.
| Loss | Match | Opponent | Result | Score | Days since last win |
| – | 2025 Washington Open – 1R | Peyton Stearns | WIN | 6-3, 6-4 | 0 |
| 1 | 2025 Washington Open – 2R | Magdalena Frech | LOSS | 2-6, 2-6 | 2 |
| 2 | 2025 Cincinnati Open – 1R | Jessica Bouzas Maneiro | LOSS | 4-6, 4-6 | 15 |
| 3 | 2025 US Open – 1R | Karolina Muchova | LOSS | 3-6, 6-2, 1-6 | 34 |
| 4 | 2026 ASB Classic – 1R | Magda Linette | LOSS | 4-6, 6-4, 2-6 | 167 |
| 5 | 2026 Hobart International – 1R | Tatjana Maria | LOSS | 4-6, 3-6 | 174 |
| 6 | 2026 Australian Open – 1R | Olga Danilovic | LOSS | 7-6, 3-6, 4-6 | 179 |
| 7 | 2026 ATX Open – 1R | Ajla Tomljanovic | LOSS | 4-6, 1-6 | 216 |
| 8 | 2026 Indian Wells – 1R | Diane Parry | LOSS | 3-6, 7-6, 1-6 | 225 |
| 9 | 2026 Miami Open – 1R | Francesca Jones | LOSS | 5-7, 5-7 | 238 |
Receiving criticism every time she accepts a wild card, Williams’ latest defeat won’t help her cause.
As much of a legend as Williams is, it’s becoming harder to justify her receiving wild cards at the expense of young, up-and-coming players.
During her first-round defeat to Jones, Croft shared when she believes Williams will retire.
“I feel like Venus might retire at the US Open,” she said.
Only time will tell if Croft’s prediction comes true…
It’s unclear what the future holds for Williams in singles, but Jones knows exactly what’s next.
The British number four will return to take on Jessica Pegula in the second round on Friday, March 20.
