Health Issue Forces Withdrawal
British tennis player Fran Jones was forced to withdraw from a match at the Colsanitas Cup in Bogota, Colombia, after collapsing during the third set. She was playing against Argentina’s Julia Riera when, at 5-3 in the third set, she staggered to the ground and was unable to continue.
Medical Assistance and Recovery
Jones was visibly struggling with her breathing and eventually lay on the floor. Medics, along with her opponent, helped her into a wheelchair, and she was escorted off the court. The official statement from the Colsanitas Cup said, “Due to a physical issue, Francesca Jones has withdrawn from her match against Julia Riera at 6-2 5-7 5-3 in favor of the Argentinian.”
Ongoing Health Challenges
Fran Jones, who is currently ranked 129th in the world, has faced many physical challenges throughout her career due to a rare genetic condition called Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia. She is missing one finger on each hand and has only seven toes. Finishing matches has been particularly difficult for Jones, as she often suffers from severe cramping.
Jones had managed to recover from an early deficit in the match, winning the second set 7-5 after losing the first set 6-2. However, she was trailing 5-3 in the third set when the incident occurred, just two points away from defeat.
Riera Advances to the Next Round
Julia Riera will now advance to the round of 16 at the Colsanitas Cup, where she will face Iva Jovic from the USA.
