Overview
- Francesca Jones, ranked No. 72, beat world No. 15 and second seed Emma Navarro 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 in the ASB Classic first round for the biggest win of her career.
- Jones had never previously faced a top-50 opponent and is set to climb toward the top 70, with Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus next in the second round.
- Navarro’s early exit reinforces her uneven 2025 follow-up to a 2024 breakout despite highlights including a Merida title and a signature China Open win over Iga Swiatek.
- Emma Raducanu, returning after withdrawing from a planned match against Naomi Osaka due to a foot issue, lost 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to Maria Sakkari as Great Britain were eliminated from the United Cup.
- Raducanu is scheduled to play Hobart next before the Australian Open begins on January 18, while Jones’ Auckland run offers timely momentum heading into Melbourne.