Francesca Jones, a 25-year-old British player, defeated seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams 7-5, 7-5 in the first round of the Miami Open, securing her first WTA 1000 victory. The match concluded with a touching net exchange that highlighted Jones's long-standing admiration for Williams. Jones rallied from 4-5 down in both sets to claim the win.
The 25-year-old Francesca Jones stunned Venus Williams in the opening round of the Miami Open on March 19, 2026, winning 7-5, 7-5. This marked Jones's first victory at a WTA 1000 event. At the net post-match, Williams complimented her opponent, saying, “Well played. Good luck, huh? Good luck.” Jones responded, “I still have you [poster] in my room,” prompting Williams to reply, “Aww, that’s so cute. Thanks, good luck.” Jones later shared that she had posters of Williams and her sister Serena on her childhood bedroom wall, saying goodnight to them nightly, and that watching them at Wimbledon as a five-year-old inspired her tennis career. She credited them, stating, “If it weren’t for those two women, I’m not sure I would have made the step [to play tennis]. They’re the reason that I’m here today.” Born with Ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft syndrome (EEC), which affects her hands and feet, Jones faced early doubts about a professional career but pursued the sport relentlessly, moving to Barcelona before age 10. After a tough year including a tearful retirement at the Australian Open due to injury, Jones expressed relief: “It’s great for me to get a win. I’m struggling at the moment with my fitness, and it has been a really, really tough year, so I just feel a little bit relieved.” Weeks earlier, she had practiced with Williams in Austin. Now, Jones advances to face fifth seed Jessica Pegula. For 45-year-old Williams, this extends her streak to nine consecutive losses since her July 2025 comeback. The result has reignited debate over wildcards for veterans, with critics like Yevgeny Kafelnikov arguing they should support emerging players instead.
