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Francesca Jones Makes Grand Slam Debut at Australian Open

1/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Francesca Jones (British tennis player) will compete in the Australian Open, her first direct Grand Slam entry, facing Polish qualifier Linda Klimovicova in Melbourne.
Jones was born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia and uses a modified grip with three fingers and a thumb on each hand.
After doctors advised against a pro career following a challenging 2024, Jones rose to world number 71 and turned her performance around in 2025.

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Story summary

Francesca Jones (British tennis player) will compete in the Australian Open, her first direct Grand Slam entry, facing Polish qualifier Linda Klimovicova in Melbourne.
Jones was born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia and uses a modified grip with three fingers and a thumb on each hand.
After doctors advised against a pro career following a challenging 2024, Jones rose to world number 71 and turned her performance around in 2025.