”She’s still on my wall”: Francesca Jones’ full-circle moment with Venus Williams

MIAMI, Fla. — Venus Williams walked out on Miami’s Grandstand on Thursday wearing a bold silver jacket, with the words ‘Game Changer’ spelled out in her famous colorful beads across the back.

Her opponent, Francesca Jones, didn’t see the jacket from where she was standing—on the opposite side of the court and across the net from her childhood idol. But she was the first to celebrate the seven-time Grand Slam winner’s impact after earning a career-defining win at the Miami Open presented by Itau.

“Game changer—that’s exactly what her and Serena are, they are game changers,” Jones told press in the mixed zone after her 7-5, 7-5 victory.

“They’re the reason that we have such big events like this. They’ve grown the sport so much, and we have so much to thank them for.”

Read More: Miami Open women's preview: Are Sabalenka and Rybakina on another level?

For Jones, the Williams sisters’ impact went beyond the court. The 25-year-old has a genetic condition called ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia (EEC) that causes an absence of digits on the hands and feet. It means Jones has three fingers and a thumb on each hand, and seven toes in total. She uses a modified grip to hold her racquet, and the condition requires around-the-clock work to keep injuries at bay.

As a child just starting to play, Jones was told by doctors that playing was out of the question, let alone a professional tennis career. But, like Venus and Serena, she fought to forge her own place in the sport.

“Obviously, with my backstory, when I was younger I was told I wasn’t going to be able to play tennis,” Jones recalled.

“Having my dad take me to Wimbledon, I saw both Williams sisters on Centre Court… if it weren’t for those two women, I’m not sure I would have made the step to do it.

“They’re the reason that I’m here today.”

The Brit had already won over American hearts in Miami with her reaction to defeating Venus. When the former world No. 1’s forehand buried into the net, Jones looked to be in disbelief as she lifted her arms and turned toward her team.

When she walked over to shake Williams’ hand, Jones paused to bow to her opponent—drawing a wide smile from Williams—before the pair warmly embraced at the net.

“I told Venus at the net, she’s still on the wall of my childhood room in Barcelona, both her and Serena,” Jones revealed.

The full-circle moment is also a “relief” for Jones, who had not won a match since January. She has struggled with injuries throughout the year, exacerbated by an unrelenting schedule and the physical challenges caused by EEC.

Now, her mission is to play as many matches as possible, rebuild her match fitness, and be ready for when the calendar shifts closer to home in Europe.

Read More: Welcome to Miami: Sabalenka’s whirlwind, Sinner’s forecast and Anisimova’s memes

In Miami, the challenge won’t get any easier for Jones—No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula awaits next.

For Venus, the Miami match marks the 45-year-old wild card’s ninth consecutive defeat—a streak dating back to July 2025, when she defeated countrywoman Peyton Stearns in Washington, D.C.