Francesca Jones Falls in Tight Nottingham Opener After Missing Match Points

Francesca Jones narrowly lost to Talia Gibson in Nottingham Open first round after missing two match points in a three-hour match. Other British players faced early exits at Queen's, while doubles champions Cash and Glasspool advanced.

Francesca Jones Narrowly Defeated in Nottingham Open First Round

British tennis player Francesca Jones was narrowly defeated by Australia's Talia Gibson in the first round of the 2024 Nottingham Open, despite holding two match points during the encounter.

Jones recovered from being a set and a break down, as well as enduring a medical timeout, to push the match to a deciding third set against Gibson. After falling behind early in the third set, Jones rallied to break back and served for the match at 5-3, holding two match points.

However, world number 66 Gibson responded by breaking back and ultimately secured victory in the tie-break, winning 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4) after a grueling three hours and six minutes on court.

This match marked the longest of Jones' career. She displayed strong serving performance, hitting 15 aces and successfully landing 75% of her first serves. During the match, Jones appeared to experience discomfort on two occasions. Notably, after being broken at the start of the second set, she was seen sitting with her head under a towel, breathing deeply.

A medical professional was called to assess her blood pressure and vital signs, after which Jones continued to compete. She managed to break Gibson back and eventually claimed the tight second set.

Later in the third set, at 5-5, Jones took another medical timeout due to what appeared to be a nasal issue.

Other Nottingham Open Highlights

Earlier in the Nottingham tournament, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen staged a comeback to defeat Maria Sakkari 4-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4.

Notably, Queen's finalist Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter both withdrew from the tournament on Monday.

British Players at Queen's Tournament

In other British tennis news, hopefuls Harry Wendelken and Jack Pinnington Jones were both eliminated in the first round at Queen's.

World number 224 Wendelken had impressed in qualifying by defeating two top-100 players, Adam Walton and Aleksandar Vukic, to reach the main draw. However, he was defeated 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) by 56th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening match on the Andy Murray Arena.

Jack Pinnington Jones, who reached the second round at Wimbledon last year, lost a closely contested match 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3) to Denis Shapovalov. The match was marked by fluctuations in momentum, with Pinnington Jones twice holding a break advantage in the deciding set and serving for the match against the Canadian.

Shapovalov, a former world number 10 and 2021 Wimbledon semi-finalist, broke back and dominated the tie-break to advance.

Doubles Competition

In doubles action, British defending champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool secured a straight-sets victory over Francisco Cerundolo and Brendan Nakashima, winning 7-5, 6-4.