Lexus Nottingham Open 2025: Francesca Jones & Harriet Dart get set for all-British first round clash

It will be a first meeting between the Lexus GB Billie Jean King Cup teammates, who have both reached the quarter-finals in Nottingham during their careers.

Jones arrives at the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre after playing at last week’s HSBC Championships and getting some valuable experience on the grass.

“I’m feeling good,” Jones said. “It was good to get a first match on grass last week (at Queen’s), didn’t end the way I’d like but every day I’ve got better.

“I enjoyed playing here last year so I’m looking forward to it. I always feel that every match you play on grass you get better.”

Last year, Jones enjoyed a strong run in Nottingham last year, beating Caroline Dolehide and Ashlyn Krueger to reach the quarter-finals – her best result of the season on grass.

The British star has made a bright start to her campaign in 2025 – winning titles at the W75 Vacaria and W75 Prague, as well as qualifying for the Mutua Madrid Open WTA 1000.

“I think we’ve been smart with my scheduling,” Jones explained when asked about the biggest changes she’s made this season.

“I don’t think I can schedule in the same way as most players can, we’ve thought things through well and made sure I’ve been fully prepared to go out there. I learnt a lot last year.

“I struggled at the end of the year with a few health issues and took some time to reset and reflect. I’ve not really been fit the last couple of years, so I think coming into this year I was feeling much better physically after a strong pre-season as well.

“I always try and stay in the present. Obviously, I did well last year and I enjoy being here but it’s a new year, new page and for me, I just want to keep doing what I’ve been doing all year and continue that momentum.”

Meanwhile, Dart got her first win on the grass at the Lexus Ilkley Open last week despite suffering from illness in the build up to the summer.

The 28-year-old is hoping to put that behind her and continue improving her game on the surface this week.

“I always enjoy my time here in Nottingham – I’ve been coming here for many years now,” Dart said ahead of the opening round. “I got some matches last week in Ilkley and hopefully get some more here.

“It’s a quick adjustment, as always (coming off the clay). I was also sick after the French Open so I did miss Birmingham, so I didn’t get much chance to practice on it (the grass).

“The courts are very different in Ilkley to here, so having a few days in Nottingham has been helpful. It’s day by day at the moment but we’ve been really lucky with the weather, so I’ve managed to get some time on court. The grass is a bit longer here, courts are a bit slower and you always get lots of people come and support which is nice.

Grass is where she’s always found great success – reaching quarter-finals in Nottingham, Birmingham and Eastbourne, as well as the third round at Wimbledon, her best result at a Grand Slam.

Returning to one of her favourite stops in the calendar – Dart is looking forward to getting back in front of a home crowd once again.

“We’re fortunate to be able to play tournaments in our home country and in front of the British crowd, which I always thrive on,” she said.

“Grass suits my style of play and in the lead up to Wimbledon it’s all about getting as match ready as possible so I’m comfortable going in.”

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