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NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 07: Francesca Jones of Great Britain plays a forehand shot against Georgina Garcia Perez of Spain during Day 3 of the Viking Open at Nottingham Tennis Centre on June 07, 2021 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Tennis | WTA Auckland 2026 | Francesca Jones faces qualifier Sinja Kraus after downing second seed Emma Navarro

Ros Satar
Tennis

By Ros Satar

  • Francesca Jones def. Emma Navarro [2] 7-5 2-6 6-4
  • Jones v Sinja Kraus [Q]
  • H2H: First Meeting
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Francesca Jones battled past second seed Emma Navarro and faces Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus in the second round.

 

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Francesca Jones def. Emma Navarro [2] 7-5 2-6 6-4

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Francesca Jones started her season in the best way after downing second seed and world number 15 Emma Navarro in three sets. Jones overcame a set with multiple breaks of serve and the Auckland weather rain delay to take a tight first set.

She also started strongly with an immediate break at the start of the second set but Navarro won a run of six out of the next seven games, forging ahead to level the match. Navarro looked strong in the decider, but Jones took her advantage for a top 20 scalp to start the season.

 

Francesca Jones v Sinja Kraus [Q] | H2H: First Meeting

Francesca Jones v Sinja Kraus [Q] H2H: First Meeting)
WTA Auckland New Zealand
Hard (O) Prize Money: $4,285
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Jones is off to a winning start and faces Austrian qualifier Sinja Kraus.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2025)

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H2H: Francesca Jones (WR 73) Sinja Kraus (WR 108)
Tournament Previous Best Debut Debut
1st Serve Return Points Won % 38.9 44.0
Return Points Won % 45.5 50.0
Break Point Conversion % 50.5 50.8
Br.5eak Points Saved % 57.3 50.4
Overall Service Points Won % 58.5 53.0

Although Kraus is stronger in the return game, Jones’ experience and gritty determination puts her as the favourite.

 

 

Playing Styles & Prediction

Perhaps more at home on the clay, Kraus brings an aggressive baseline game with deep groundstrokes, topspin and a lot of variety. Jones will look to dominate and outhit her.

Kraus can be exposed on her serve and although she has been getting more matches on the hard courts on the ITF circuit, the tour level is something very different, and Jones has had some good successes over the years on hard.

Prediction: Jones in straight sets.

 

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