About this episode
She nearly quit tennis last year. Seven surgeries, constant setbacks, and a body few doctors understood. Today, Francesca Jones reveals how she fought through doubt, pain, and pressure to break into the Top 100 — and what she’s learned along the way. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS 00:00 – “This year was supposed to be my last…” Career crossroads, feeling stuck, and finding unexpected freedom. 03:10 – Moving to Spain alone at 10 to chase a dream Early sacrifices, school-life balance, and building identity away from tennis. 06:20 – Toxic coaches, abuse of power & lack of safeguarding in tennis Francesca opens up about dangerous dynamics young players face. Episode Francesca Jones 12:40 – Becoming the CEO of her own career at 16 Learning decision-making, emotional intelligence, and firing the wrong people. 21:00 – Living with a rare syndrome & surgeries no doctor understood How unique biomechanics shaped her challenges and mindset. 27:00 – The brutal truth: she had to stop tennis to rebuild her body Three-month physical reset, strength work, and realizing the sport changed. 31:30 – “I’ll die on the court if I have to” — her mentality explained Obsession, overtraining, collapsing in matches, and learning limits. 44:00 – The moment she almost quit tennis forever Doubt, burnout, Patagonia reflections, and the conversation that saved her. 52:00 – Breaking Top 100 & what’s next Long-term goals, redefining success, and chasing stability for the first time. If you enjoyed this conversation, hit LIKE , SUBSCRIBE , and drop a comment telling us your favorite insight from Francesca. Your support helps us bring more raw, honest stories from the world’s best players. This episode is brought to you by Hologic , a global leader in women’s health — dedicated to early detection, innovation, and helping women live healthier, longer lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.