Australian Open 2026: Francesca Jones ‘very seriously’ considering retirement before enjoying best season of career

In a parallel universe, Francesca Jones might be sitting at home right now preparing applications for college courses.

Instead, the 25-year-old British player is preparing for the Australian Open after a life-changing season that breathed new life into her tennis career.

Jones suffers from a rare genetic condition that means she plays with a modified grip, but she has overcome the odds to reach the elite level.

The world number 71 was born with ectodermal dysplasia of the external digits (EEC), which leaves her with three fingers and a thumb on each hand, three toes on her right foot and four on her left foot.

The Yorkshire-born player was told by doctors to forget about the professional game and physical challenges continued throughout her career.

After a difficult 2024 and finding himself outside the top 150 in the world, Jones decided to retire if his results and rankings did not improve next season.

Instead, she is making 2025 the best year of her career and hopes to continue that progress when she takes on Polish qualifier Linda Klimovicova in her first match in Melbourne on Monday.

“I was very serious [about retiring]. It’s another year of going all out,” said Jones, who entered a major directly for the first time.

“If I were [ranked] 101. I won’t give up. But this is the feeling I have.

“These are smaller goals that if I accomplish, I can be in the top 100.”