Episode 142: Francesca Jones - Northern Grit

Francesca Jones is a British tennis player who is currently ranked 153 in the world.

Originally from Bradford, the 21-year-old moved to Spain at age 10 to train at the Sanchez Casal Tennis Academy. She reached number 31 in the junior world rankings, before qualifying for her first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January.

Francesca was born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia (EED) syndrome, which is a rare genetic condition that has required her to have more than 10 surgeries. She is missing a finger on each hand and 3 toes, something which doctors told her parents would prevent her from playing tennis. Instead, she has risen up the rankings and played at all 4 Grand Slams this year.

In today´s episode, CTC Host Dan Kiernan chats to Francesca about:

• Her unusual introduction to tennis.
• Her reflections on her achievements in 2021.
• How her physical differences affect her training and how she´s overcome them.
• The influence training at Spanish Academies has had on her tennis game. 
• The expectations she put on herself after qualifying for the 2021 Australian Open.
• Why she took the decision to end her season in September.

Let us know your thoughts on this episode!

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