British tennis player Francesca Jones has secured her place in the US Open main draw after an impressive qualifying campaign.
The 24-year-old achieved this milestone despite being born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia, a rare genetic condition that left her with three fingers and a thumb on each hand, plus seven toes in total.
Medical professionals once declared she had minimal prospects of competing professionally in tennis.
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Francesca Jones will play at the US Open on Monday after an impressive performance in qualifying
|PA
However, Jones has defied those predictions through exceptional determination and skill.
Her recent success follows an unconventional preparation method borrowed from Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz - a brief holiday in Ibiza.
The condition impacts her balance significantly, yet Jones refused to accept the limitations others placed on her future.
Her journey to professional tennis required extraordinary commitment, including relocating from her home near Bradford to Barcelona for training when she was just nine years old.
This early move to Spain proved crucial in developing her game despite the physical challenges.
Her persistence has paid off as she continues climbing the rankings, currently sitting at world number 86.
Jones's remarkable story has gained wider recognition as her performances improve.
Jones revealed she adopted Alcaraz's post-French Open routine by spending several days in Ibiza with friends.
"I trained a few more days then I thought I'd try the Alcaraz strategy, so I went to Ibiza for a few days. It worked!" she explained.
Francesca Jones recently went on holiday to Ibiza
|The Spanish player has visited the island for three consecutive years following Roland Garros, subsequently winning two Wimbledon titles.
Jones clarified she avoided nightclubs, preferring the outdoor Ushuaia venue and returning to her accommodation by midnight.
The strategy proved successful as Jones captured clay court victories in Contrexeville and Palermo following her first-round Wimbledon exit.
She progressed through US Open qualifying as top seed without surrendering a single set.
Jones maintains a close daily connection with former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, describing their bond as particularly meaningful.
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Francesca Jones was born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia
|PA
"We speak every day, I was just texting her now," Jones shared, emphasising their communication extends beyond professional matters.
Their friendship thrives on avoiding tennis-focused conversations. "We don't really talk about tennis and I think that's why it works," she noted, explaining they discuss personal concerns openly instead.
Regarding Raducanu's extraordinary 2021 triumph as a qualifier, Jones expressed admiration whilst remaining realistic.
"What she did, I don't think it will ever be repeated," she said, adding she would gladly achieve even partial success along a similar path.