US Open 2025
Location: Flushing Meadows, New York Scheduled: August 24 – September 7
Broadcasting: Live audio commentaries on 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, along with live written updates on the BBC Sport website & app
Francesca Jones is now one match away from qualifying for the US Open main draw after a determined 6-1 7-6 (13-11) victory against Ekaterine Gorgodze of Georgia, although three other British players were eliminated.
Jones, the fourth-ranked British player who aims to participate in the US Open main draw for the first time, secured an early break and quickly established a 3-0 advantage within just 11 minutes on a breezy Stadium 17.
However, the 24-year-old had to fight hard to defend against seven break points before the set concluded, as Gorgodze rallied after a weak beginning.
The Georgian player displayed visible frustration during the initial set. At one point, she confronted spectators behind her who were then instructed by the umpire to silence their mobile devices. However, she reversed the momentum against Jones and initiated the second set with a break, swiftly taking a 3-0 lead.
At certain junctures, Jones struggled to counter the 33-year-old’s potent forehand, but she managed to break back for a third time, bringing the set back on serve.
Jones was compelled to fend off four set points in a tense tie-break before ultimately securing the win with her fifth match point.
“I’m trying not to swear!” Jones expressed to Sky Sports following the match.
“It presented a significant challenge; she [Gorgodze] forces you to hit many balls. She showcased some excellent tennis in the second set, and I was determined to avoid a third set today.”
A victory in the third qualifying round on Friday will guarantee Jones, who developed her skills on clay courts, a spot in the main draw for the first occasion in her career.
She has not previously gained automatic entry to a Grand Slam based on her ranking, narrowly missing out this time, despite achieving a career-best ranking of 86th globally since the US Open entry deadline.
Separately, Oliver Crawford, the ninth-ranked British player, experienced a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 loss to Garrett Johns of the United States, ending his aspirations of competing in a second Grand Slam event. Similarly, Jay Clarke was defeated 6-3 6-4 by top-seeded Arthur Cazaux, and Jodie Burrage lost 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-4 to 18th-seeded Arantxa Rus.
Burrage was trailing her Dutch adversary 5-3 when their second qualifying round match was paused due to rain on Wednesday. However, the 26-year-old rallied to secure the first set following the resumption of play on Thursday.
Rus regained her momentum in the second set before ultimately winning an engaging final set that commenced with four consecutive breaks of serve.
Fellow British competitors Harriet Dart and Billy Harris are slated to participate in qualifying matches later on Thursday.
