Her recent display served as a strong indication that Jones possesses both the prowess and the self-assurance required to surpass her career-best season in 2025.
Achieving a world ranking within the top 100 last year was a well-deserved recognition for an athlete who has consistently persevered, despite navigating numerous physical challenges stemming from a rare genetic condition.
Jones’ birth was marked by Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia (EEC), a condition resulting in her having three fingers and a thumb on each hand, three toes on her right foot, and four toes on her left.
Medical professionals advised the Yorkshire-born player to abandon aspirations of a professional tennis career – yet she has continuously defied expectations.
Last season, Jones contemplated retirement if her objectives were not met. Instead, she experienced the most fruitful period of her career thus far.
Jones claimed her most significant career title at a WTA 125 competition – a tier below the main circuit – in July, subsequently securing a second victory at that same level, which propelled her into the top 100.
In August, she earned her inaugural main draw spot at the US Open by successfully navigating three qualifying rounds as the highest seed.
Currently, Jones is on the verge of entering the world’s top 70 for the first time after defeating Navarro, and she stands to climb higher if she overcomes Austria’s Sinja Kraus, ranked 108th, in the ASB Classic’s second round.
