Francesca Jones: Which Genetic Condition Forced Doctors to Crush Tennis Dream Before She Turned Her Fate Around in Emphatic Fashion?

Francesca Jones is turning heads in the Nottingham Open this after much struggles! After sweeping past her two opponents, the British player is all set to show her prowess against the former World No. 10, Emma Raducanu. The achievement is amplified by the fact that it will be her career’s second tour-level quarterfinal match! However, amidst the smiles and glory of success lies a story of hardship and struggles. Jones, who has a rare genetic disorder, didn’t have it easy. There was a time when it became almost impossible for her to pursue a tennis career!

Born in September 2000, Francesca Jones has suffered from a condition called ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia syndrome since childhood. Because of this rare genetic disorder, Jones was born with three fingers and a thumb on each hand. Not only her hands, but she also has three toes on her right foot, along with four on her left foot. As a result of this, Jones, who had been interested in tennis since the age of 5, faced a difficult obstacle in front of her. 

Her doctors were adamant when they told her that she would not be able to have a professional tennis career. The 23-year-old did not give up as she continued training to achieve her dream of playing in the WTA Tour. However, the difficulties persisted. She once admitted, “You get the staring, you get the questions, you get the sympathy sometimes – and then you get the opposite, you get the hatred.”

The 23-year-old player, who went on to achieve an ITF Junior Circuit rank of 31, didn’t pay much heed to negativity. “I’ve never been one to focus too much on what other people think of me or specifically of that, because I don’t think this defines me,” she stated in an interview. ‘Fran’ even underwent multiple operations regarding her condition, but according to her, she didn’t let her disorder “limit” her in any way. In fact, her physical game with a heavy topspin is the opposite of what a limited player can do.

Her debut performance at the 2021 Australian Open at the age of 20 showed her endless determination. With 6 ITF titles to her name, the former 149th-ranked player is all set to continue her journey in tennis. Moreover, the Yorkshire-based player’s first quarterfinal qualification on her home soil further solidifies her zeal to conquer her first WTA Tour title. Additionally, she also once revealed her biggest strength, which helped her achieve her goals in life.

Francesca Jones sheds light on the biggest strength of her life

With the aim of following her passion for tennis, Francesca Jones moved to Barcelona from Yorkshire at the age of nine. The reason was to secure a place in the Sanchez Casal Tennis Academy, where she could refine her tennis skills. Six years after that, she again moved to a nearby Ad-In Tennis Academy, where she continued her lessons. Jones once revealed how spending time away from family and doing everything by herself has made her more “independent” in life.

“I think one of my biggest strengths is my independence, and my ability to problem solve by myself… when I step on the court I know that I can be on there alone and I trust myself to deal with the situations,” she told the LTA. Believing in her own ability, she took giant steps toward her dream and became the master of her own fate. 

Now, as she moves forward in her professional career in tennis, Francesca Jones’ story will always keep inspiring everyone!