A distressing moment unfolded during the first round of the Copa Colsanitas in Bogota, as fifth-ranked British WTA player Francesca Jones collapsed on the court while trailing Julia Riera 5-3 in the deciding set. set. Unable to continue, Jones was escorted off in a wheelchair and forced to retire at 6-2 5-7 5-3 in favor of her opponent.
The 24-year-old Jones was trying to serve in the ninth game of the third set when she suddenly collapsed on the court. She remained on the ground as medical staff rushed to her aid, with opponent Riera also assisting in lifting her into a wheelchair.
Francesca Jones atravesó una horrible situación en Bogotá: se desvaneció y debió retirarse de la cancha en silla de ruedas.@juliriera02, su rival, actuó en el momento y ayudó a los médicos.pic.twitter.com/TG1PG6TVY0
— Victorio Grigera (@vgrigera_) April 2, 2025
The incident was especially concerning, given Jones’ impressive form leading up to the tournament. Just last week, she defeated Riera in straight sets en route to claiming the W75 Vacaria title in Brazil—the eighth ITF title of her career.
Known for her resilience, Jones has long embraced the motto: “The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” Born with EEC syndrome, a rare genetic condition, she has overcome significant physical challenges—including having four fingers on each hand, four toes on her left foot, and three on her right—to compete at the highest levels of tennis.
