Great Britain’s Fran Jones has recorded the biggest win of her career against Emma Navarro in Auckland.
Jones, who was close to retiring from her playing career at the end of 2024, defeated the world number 15 and 2024 US Open semi-finalist 7-5, 2-6, 6-4.
The British star had never played against a top-20 ranked opponent in her career, but managed to maintain her composure throughout the contest.
Jones broke Navarro’s serve at 1-1 in the final set and did not face a break point on her own serve thereafter.
Following the match, Jones reacted to her monumental triumph in an interview broadcast on Sky Sports.
Fran Jones reacts to defeating Emma Navarro
Jones was understandably in a positive mood after the match, making a humorous comment regarding the weather conditions in Auckland.
She said: “I mean, I’m not going to lie, when it started raining in the first set, my relationship with Auckland was in jeopardy, but we’re all good now guys I love you thank you.”
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Reacting to her victory, Jones added: “I mean I’m absolutely knackered.
“First match of the year I didn’t make it easy to be honest, but yeah, I’m really grateful for my team.
“I’ve been difficult the last few days so trying to get ready for the season is always really complicated for every player. Emma can play a better level or everyone can play a better level, it’s about finding your feet.
“But as you said, for me just having the right attitude first match coming into the year is the most important thing so thankfully I did that.”
Prior to defeating Navarro, Jones’ biggest win of her career had come against world number 70 Greet Minnen at the 2025 Eastbourne Open.
Francesca Jones’ next opponent
Fran Jones is set to play Austria’s Sinja Kraus in the Auckland Open round of 16.
Kraus, ranked 108 on the WTA Tour, defeated Julia Grabher 6-3, 6-3 in her first match in New Zealand.
If Jones defeats Kraus, she will face Xinyu Wang, Renata Zarazua or Sloane Stephens in the quarter-finals.
Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, has not won a WTA Tour match since the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.
