By Ros SatarFrancesca Jones [WC] v Talia GibsonNOTTINGHAM, UK – Francesca Jones will be the first Brit to get underway at the Nottingham Open, where she faces Talia Gibson in her opener.
Francesca Jones [WC] v Talia Gibson | H2H: First MeetingFrancesca Jones [WC] v Talia GibsonH2H: First MeetingWTA NottinghamUKGrassPrize Money: $3,065Second on Centre Court, not before 1pm BSTBBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Online
Francesca Jones leads off the British challenge in Nottingham, where she faces Australia’s Talia Gibson.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2026)H2H:Francesca Jones (WR 99)Talia Gibson (WR 66)Tournament Previous BestQF (2024)Qualification (2024)1st Serve Return Points Won %37.634.4Return Points Won %43.241.5Break Point Conversion %38.844.0Break Points Saved %50.752.6Overall Service Points Won %52.159.0
Jones is more aggressive in her return games, but Gibson handles the clutch points better.
Playing Styles & Prediction
Jones will be counting on the home crowd to get right behind her when she faces the aggressive baseline play of Gibson. The pair will go toe-to-toe in terms of hitting the cover off the ball, with Gibson’s strong serving and attacking play on second serves so far standing her in good stead.
Jones will scrap for the ball and while Gibson seems quite stoic, Jones definitely brings fire and feistiness.
Prediction: Jones in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow WTA Nottingham