British tennis star Fran Jones in harrowing fall on courtroom as she’s taken away in wheelchair
Britain’s Francesca Jones collapsed on the court during her first-round match at the Colsanitas Cup against Julia Riera in Bogota and was forced to retire
Britain’s Fran Jones suffered a harrowing moment when she collapsed during a match and had to leave court in a wheelchair.
The 24-year-old was serving at 3-5 down in the deciding set of her first-round clash in Bogata when she suddenly fell.
Medics and officials were quick to attend to her, but the British No. 5 was unable to carry on with the contest.
Jones had to be wheeled off the court, and it was later confirmed by the tournament that she had withdrawn, allowing her opponent, Julia Riera, to progress with the score at 6-2 5-7 5-3.
The tournament expressed their concern on social media, stating: “Due to a physical issue, Francesca Jones has withdrawn from her match against Julia Riera at 6-2 5-7 5-3 in favour of the Argentinian. We wish the British tennis player a speedy recovery.”
During the final set of her Colsanitas Cup encounter, Jones was visibly struggling. In the ninth game, as she prepared to serve, she staggered and collapsed.
Jones remained on the ground for several minutes before being taken away in a wheelchair, reports the Express.
This unfortunate incident puts a stop to Jones’ recent success, following her victory at the W75 Vacaria last week, where she triumphed over Leolia Jeanjean in the final.
Having just won the lower-tier event in Vacaria, the quick switch to this week’s WTA 250 in Bogota might have impacted her physical condition during the match.
The frightening event in Bogota marks the 19th retirement of Jones’ career. The world’s 129th ranked player also had to withdraw mid-match at the recent Merida Open.
After progressing to the second round of the Colsanitas Cup due to a retirement, Julia Riera will now go head-to-head with America’s Iva Jovic.
In other news, fellow Brit Heather Watson was defeated in the first round of the Charleston Open. Iryna Shymanovich clinched a close tiebreak and then broke Watson four times in the second set to secure a 7-6(8) 6-4 victory.
Shymanovich is now set to face top seed and world No. 4 Jessica Pegula, who enters the tournament on the back of a run to the Miami Open final.
