Inspiring tennis star qualifies for AO - 8th February 2021

Britain's Francesca Jones, born with a rare genetic condition, is causing a stir in the world of professional tennis. By defeating Lu Jia-Jing of China in straight sets in the final round of qualifying in Dubai, the 20 year old has qualified for the Australian Open, marking the first time the rising star has reached the main draw of a grand slam tournament.

Despite being born with ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia syndrome, a condition that saw her spend much of her youth and early career in hospital undergoing frequent operations, Jones has moulded herself into an elite athlete.

The syndrome affects the development of hands and feet, giving Jones 4 digits on each hand and 3 toes on her right foot. In becoming a professional player, Jones' condition has placed considerable obstacles in her path, as it impacted her racquet grip and her stability on the court.

During her youth, a doctor attempted to dissuade her from pursuing an athletic career, which, in their medical opinion, would always be out of reach. Jones set out to prove their diagnosis wrong and by the age of 9 she was enrolled in the famed Sanchez Casal Academy in Barcelona.

Hopeful her story will resonate with others, Jones is aware of her potential to act as a role model for other people with disabilities: "It would be great to have that positive impact on younger kids and people that are in similar positions to me."

While she acknowledges the adversity she has overcome, Jones also emphasises that she is no different from any other tennis pro. "I'd like people to look at my story to take what they can from it," she reflected, "and also then focus on the small or big improvements from my game and the way that I'm playing actual tennis."

Jones will take to the court in Melbourne on 8th February, the first day of the Australian Open.