Jones ‘didn’t make it easy’ but gets biggest win

Francesca Jones, the best player in the 2026 season, defeated world number 15 Emma Navarro in Auckland to open the season for the Brits.

Jones, 72nd overall, never faced a player from the top 50 before winning 7-5, 2-6, 6-4.

After breaking up early in the decider, Jones, a 25-year-old woman, persevered to defeat Navarro, a second seed.

The British number three showed her ability to mix things up right off the bat, drawing mistakes from her out-of-sorts opponent, who reached the Australian Open quarter-finals last year.

For the first game of the year, I didn’t make it easy, Jones said. “I’m absolutely knackered.”

It’s about finding your feet, they say, because getting ready for the season is difficult.

The performance was a clear indication that Jones has the mindset and belief to build on her 2025 best season of her career.

A player who persevered despite having a number of physical issues related to a rare genetic condition, made it a rich reward to reach the top 100 last year.

Jones has three fingers and a thumb on each hand, three toes on her right foot, and four toes on her left because she was born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia (EEC).

The Yorkshire-born tennis player was told to stop playing professionally, but she has since beaten the odds.

If she failed to accomplish her goals, Jones considered retiring last season. She had the most productive year of her career so far, in contrast.

In July, Jones won the biggest title of her career at a WTA 125 event, which was held the rung below the main tour, and then earned a second triumph there to advance to the top 100.

She made her first major appearance at the US Open in August, advancing through three rounds to become the top seed.