The 25-year-old has had a torrid year, with a leg injury and concussion keeping her off the court and pushing her back outside the top 100.
That meant it was little surprise she could not contain her emotions after battling from a set down to defeat former semi-finalist Beatriz Haddad Maia 1-6 7-6 (4) 6-2 at a sweltering Roland Garros.
A sobbing Jones rushed to the side of the court to embrace mum Adele and dad Simon, who have been her biggest supporters in her remarkable journey.
Born with Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia, a genetic condition that means she only has three fingers and a thumb on each hand and seven toes across both feet, Jones forged ahead with a tennis career against the odds.
And, on her seventh occasion in the opening round of a grand slam, the Bradford District star was finally able to claim victory.
“She kept believing in herself,” said a delighted Adele. “She’s had such a bad year with all the injuries and everything.
“It’s just maintaining that belief, and that’s what we were trying to say to her then at the side of the court.
“We don’t coach, we don’t know anything about tennis, just believe in your body, believe in yourself.
“We’re so proud of her and we’re just so happy for her. She really deserves this.”
“I get told off all the time, and I will do now,” added Simon.
“I always say the wrong things, but she can hear us, that’s the main thing.
“She’s such a fighter and she always has been.”
Fran Jones almost beat Petra Martic in the first round at Wimbledon in 2024, but she had to battle through the pain barrier as the match wore on and ultimately lost it in three sets. (Image: John Walton/PA Wire)
Jones was emotional in her post-match press conference too, saying: “Normally I’m one to say you shouldn’t cry until the tournament is over but I think, everything I’ve been through this year, it’s really been challenging.
“I think it’s been really tough on my parents throughout the whole concussion process as they’ve been on the other side of the world.
“I can’t speak much about it (she is taking legal action after a freak gym accident), but it was in the US, so it’s tough for them, with me being in different time zones, calling from hospitals, and not understanding bloody American medical insurance s***e.
“It was a real challenge, and I think they’ve just suffered with me, even from a distance.
“Of course, you can look at the bigger picture, but, truly, the emotion for me isn’t about the bigger picture. It’s much more about how tough this year has been.”
For much of the contest, Jones, who grew up in the Bradford District but moved to Barcelona to train at the age of nine, looked second best against Brazilian Haddad Maia.
The 29-year-old reached the last four here three years ago but has slid down the rankings to 105, three spots below Jones, and the British player worked her way back into the contest.
Jones was 4-2 down in the second set but began to find some momentum, putting behind her the disappointment of seeing two set points slip away to claim the tie-break.
She trailed 2-0 in the deciding set as well but from there did not look back, reeling off six games in a row.
Jones also shared a long embrace at the net with Haddad Maia, who she described later as a “big sister” figure.
The Oxenhope native will look to add to her breakthrough win in the next round against Czech Marie Bouzkova, that game taking place tomorrow.
“I know I’m dangerous on this surface,” said Jones. “I know I’ve not been on my best form, but it gives you belief.
“If we go back to the fact that I was told I couldn’t play tennis, when you’re winning matches in the main draws of slams and beating someone that was 10 in the world, it kind of nips that in the bud a bit.
“Of course, it’s a monumental moment but, don’t get me wrong, I’ll be going after the next match.
“I hope I can do this more often to keep getting the message across more.”