In an impressive display of skill and determination, Fran Jones, ranked as Britain’s No. 4 player, advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA 250 SP Open in São Paulo, marking a significant achievement as she took down the tournament’s No. 2 seed, Solana Sierra from Argentina. Jones secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory in just over an hour, equaling her best result at a WTA 250 event since 2021.
After her match, Jones expressed her thoughts on the tournament’s positive influence on Brazilian women’s tennis, especially in light of local player Beatriz Haddad Maia’s loss. “Although I am saddened by the defeat of a fellow competitor, this week signifies a pivotal moment for Brazilian women’s tennis,” Haddad Maia stated, emphasizing the broader impact of the event rather than individual successes or failures.
Jones’s semi-final triumph was set against Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, who achieved a major upset of her own by defeating the higher-seeded Alex Eala in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1. Tjen’s impressive win highlighted her rapid rise, having only recently made waves at the US Open where she notably defeated the No. 24 seed, Veronika Kudermetova.
Both players demonstrated their prowess on the court, though Jones noted the early challenges she faced against Sierra, who initially broke her serve in both sets. “Solana hit six winners right out of the gate, showing just how dangerous she is,” Jones acknowledged. Her ability to maintain composure and capitalize on key moments allowed her to regain control and ultimately triumph.
Looking ahead to her semi-final match against Tjen, Jones expressed admiration for her opponent’s style. “I’m very much looking forward to the match. I enjoy her play, and I know she’s capable of doing great things on the court,” she remarked.
In the other half of the draw, Renata Zarazua from Mexico produced a stunning performance by ousting Brazil’s top player, Beatriz Haddad Maia, with a score of 7-6(5), 6-3. Zarazua showcased remarkable resilience, battling back from early breaks to win crucial points, especially in the first set tiebreak.
Zarazua’s victory mirrored her own aspirations, as she sought to replicate her previous best result of reaching a WTA semi-final. Her opponent in the next match, Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah, also celebrated a monumental achievement by defeating the eighth-seeded Panna Udvardy, thereby reaching her first WTA 250 semi-final.
Both Zarazua and Rakotomanga Rajaonah expressed disbelief at their success. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m just happy with how I played,” Tjen said after her quarter-final win, acknowledging the significance of her achievement for Indonesian tennis.
With the stage set for an exciting semi-final day, all four players are looking to carve their names into the tournament’s history. For Jones, Tjen, Zarazua, and Rakotomanga Rajaonah, a chance at their first WTA title awaits, promising a thrilling climax to the SP Open.
