US Open 2026: Francesca Jones reflects on maiden main draw win in New York
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Britain’s Francesca Jones has achieved another career milestone after recording her first main draw victory at the US Open.
Jones fought through multiple rain delays in a first round match that spanned two days, but got over the line against Poland’s Magda Linette, winning 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to reach the second round at the US Open for the first time.
After the Brit won the first set 6-4 on Tuesday, it was the former Australian Open semi-finalist who made the faster start to their return on Wednesday – wrapping up the second set in just 28 minutes.
However, Jones dug deep in the decider and credited her mentality for helping her come through against one of the Tour's most experienced competitors.
“I was playing really good tennis yesterday (Tuesday), “ Jones reflected in her post-match press conference.
“It was tough, the momentum was going my way, conditions were working for me. It was really humid which physically is tough for both parties. Coming out today, it wasn’t sunny and hot so it didn’t necessarily make it that much faster but it was just different.
“She’s very experienced and I think she just came out knowing ‘I’m a set down, what do I have to lose?’. The first four games I didn’t do much wrong, I wouldn’t say I did anything right, but I didn’t do anything wrong either.
“She came out all guns blazing, it was high level but at least I know in those situations that you have to dig deep and ask the questions.”
The British No.3, who had to come through three rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw, has now recorded first round wins at two of the four majors this year. Her first Grand Slam win came at Roland Garros in May when she beat former top 10 star Beatriz Haddad Maia.
It's been a season of highs and lows for the world No.104, who has rebounded impressively from a difficult grass court campaign. After lifting WTA 125 titles in Rome and Palermo in July, Jones has made a seamless transition onto the hard courts and will be hoping to go even further in New York.
“In situations like today, it’s honestly about who can hang in there the longest. If I can hang in there mentally, I’m never going to question that. It’s more physically can I hang in here.?
“I’m really grateful to be in this position. It’s been a really tough year so if you’d have told me I’d be in this position, and I’m not talking necessarily just this week or the qualis, but kind of how I’ve responded after Wimbledon, I probably wouldn’t have expected it.
“At one point on the grass, I was questioning I’m putting all the work in and I know how hard I work. I also made some difficult team decisions and wondering are they going to pay off. It’s nice to know it was worth being persistent.”
Jones will look to keep the momentum going when she takes on a tough challenge in the form of rising American star Iva Jovic in the second round. The HSBC Championships semi-finalist made a confident start to her US Open campaign, coming through in straight sets against Magdalena Frech.
While players will usually have a day of recovery between matches at a Grand Slam, the schedule alterations due to the rain mean Jones and Jovic will contest their second round clash on Thursday 3 September. They will be the fourth match on Stadium 17 at Flushing Meadows.
“I played there (Stadium 17) twice last year, obviously it’s a bit different in qualifying and Iva’s American so no doubt that’ll bring a nice atmosphere. I have a really great relationship with her and normally practice with her at most events. She’s honestly, one of my favourite kids on the tour and one of the people I’ll root for and want to do well.
“I only have good things to say about her and the team. The pressure is on her especially being in her home country. The hard courts are where she flies, but I’ll take it on - why not!"
