GB’s Francesca Jones Battles Injury for Stunning Auckland Comeback

GB’s Francesca Jones Overcomes Injury in Emotional Auckland Victory

British tennis star Francesca Jones produced a courageous comeback performance to reach the Auckland Classic quarter-finals, overcoming Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 after battling through injury and extreme heat.

The 25-year-old, who claimed the biggest win of her career in the previous round by beating world number 15 Emma Navarro, looked physically drained early on and required treatment from the physio multiple times.

But despite dropping the first set and going a break down in the second, Jones regrouped, adjusted to the faster daytime conditions, and surged to victory, winning 12 of the final 14 games.

“I’m actually really relieved that’s over,” Jones said after the two-hour match. “Physically and mentally, it’s tough to pick yourself back up after playing someone like Emma in the first round.”

Jones, who is ranked British number three, made headlines last year by breaking into the WTA top 100, having captured two WTA 125 titles. Her journey is even more remarkable considering she was born with EEC syndrome, a rare genetic condition that caused her to be born with three fingers and a thumb on each hand, and missing toes.

Doctors once told her she would not be able to play professionally — a prediction she has defied time and again.

Now, Jones will face Chinese seventh seed Wang Xinyu in the last eight, with a spot in the Auckland semi-finals on the line.

Gauff Inspires USA to United Cup Semi-Finals

Meanwhile, in Sydney, Coco Gauff led the United States into the United Cup semi-finals with a dominant display.

The world number 4 cruised past Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 after teammate Taylor Fritz fell to Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-5, forcing a decisive mixed doubles match.

Gauff partnered with Christian Harrison, and the duo edged out Sakkari and Tsitsipas in a thrilling 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 victory.

The USA will face either Poland or Australia in Saturday’s semi-final.

Swiatek & Hurkacz Guide Poland Through

Iga Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion and world number 1, continued her fine form, breezing past Suzan Lamens 6-3, 6-2 to help Poland into the quarter-finals.

Earlier, Hubert Hurkacz, returning from a long-term knee injury, beat Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), securing Poland’s passage into the final eight.