Britain’s Francesca Jones was left in tears as injury ended her hopes of winning her first main-draw match at the Australian Open.
Jones struggled to move early in her first-round match against Polish qualifier Linda Klimovicova and eventually had to retire while trailing 6-2 3-2. The 25-year-old had already been dealing with fitness problems, and a glute injury proved too much for her to continue despite medical treatment on court.
Her emotional exit was one of several early retirements on day two in Melbourne, with Felix Auger-Aliassime and Marina Stakusic also forced out because of cramping.
The crowd applauded sympathetically as Jones limped off the court. It was a heartbreaking moment for the British number three, who had reached the Australian Open main draw directly for the first time after a difficult but inspiring comeback season.
