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Francesca Jones Retires Hurt From Australian Open Opener With Glute Injury

Jones plans a team debrief with possible specialist consultation following the right-leg setback.

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 19, 2026 Canada's Marina Stakusic is assisted onto a wheelchair after retiring from her first round match against Australia's Priscilla Hon REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 19, 2026 Canada's Marina Stakusic receives medical treatment during her first round match against Australia's Priscilla Hon REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 19, 2026 Canada's Marina Stakusic receives medical treatment during her first round match against Australia's Priscilla Hon REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Jan 19, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada in action against Nuno Borges of Portugal in the first round of the men’s singles at the Australian Open at John Cain Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Overview

  • She stopped at 6-2, 3-2 down to Polish qualifier Linda Klimovicova after multiple medical timeouts for a right-leg problem.
  • During on-court treatment she told her team the issue was in the glute rather than the groin complaint carried over from Auckland.
  • Jones was in tears as she left the court, delayed media duties for more than two hours, and later said she had "kicked and screamed for an hour."
  • The withdrawal interrupts strong momentum that brought a career-high ranking and first direct Grand Slam entry after a landmark win over Emma Navarro in Auckland.
  • She signaled a review of her medical and physical support, as reports highlight frequent retirements in recent years and note uncertainty over any connection to her congenital condition.