The 2021 Australian Open is only three weeks away, and excitement for the first Slam of the season is growing with each passing day. The qualifiers are over and now everyone is eagerly waiting for their superstars to return to the court. However, there is something special about one particular player who has qualified for the main round this time.
Francesca Jones, may seem like your typical up-n-comer tennis player, however hers is a truly inspirational story. The 20-year-old Brit was born with the rare genetic condition, ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia, and a doctor once told her it would prevent her from playing tennis.
This condition has numerous symptoms and affects people differently. Francesca has only three fingers and a thumb on each hand, and three toes on one foot and four toes on the other. However, with grit and determination (and some mad tennis skills!) the British No. 5 seed just proved that doctor wrong!
In a recent interview, Jones said:
I went to the doctors and the doctors told me I would never be able to play tennis due to whatever disadvantages they thought I had. And, that was kind of my decision where I was like okay because you have said that, I’m now going to prove you wrong.
INSPIRATION
Francesca Jones – born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia – has just booked her first trip to a Grand Slam main draw!#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/lPbJ3X8t1t
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2021
She didn’t give up and now is an inspiration to many players, young and old alike.
In the interview, Jones also revealed how she’s gotten this far despite her condition.
Obviously, there is a lot more risk of injuries. My left hand, I think had over ten surgeries. That’s something I have to deal with in a different way because I’ve never had an injury that has taken me out. I’ve [also] had to work a lot more on my physicality. My feet work in a different way and that means I run differently. My balance goes through my feet and toes in a different way.
“I’m now going to prove you wrong”
@AustralianOpen qualifier Francesca Jones keeps defying the doubters#BillieJeanKingCup https://t.co/Y4GcdYwvSd
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) January 13, 2021
It was a challenging task for Jones to qualify for the Grand Slam in Melbourne, though she thrashed Lu Jiajing in the final match of the quallies, winning it 6-0, 6-1. This is the first time she has qualified for the Aussie Open – and we’re sure it won’t be the last!
Before this, Jones was a part of the qualifiers at the 2019 Wimbledon, however, she could not enter the main draw there. This time, the British player has an opportunity to finally prove to herself and the rest of us that she deserves to be on the big stage!
