Fran Jones Beats Childhood Hero Venus Williams in Miami
Locker Room
March 20, 2026
Fran Jones couldn’t resist telling the legendary Venus Williams what victory meant to her when they met at the net.
Both players have their challenges performing at his high level – and honoured the occasion with some dashing stroke play.
British battler Jones was born with a thumb and three fingers on each hand. For Williams, her advancing years make playing to her previous level that little bit harder.
At the age of 45 she can only produce flashing reminders of the superstar who won seven Grand Slam titles and changed the public face of our sport.
Yet those familiar, pounding Williams winners were a delight nevertheless when they exploded onto the Miami stage.
And she was able to achieve parity with a woman twenty years her junior for most of the match.
Fran Jones and Venus Williams are able to put on a show that would still grace Centre Court at 2026!
In the end the match was decided on late breaks from the Brit – though they weren’t the first breaks in either set as the match swung one way then the other.
And as she approached the net after her 7-5, 7-5 victory, Jones appeared to bow to her childhood hero.
When they came together, the younger star said: ‘I say goodnight to you and Serena every night because you’re still on the wall of my childhood bedroom.’
Venus laughed and it was a lovely moment – as is every last appearance on court of the iconic elder Williams sister.
Jones was five years old when her father took her to Wimbledon to watch the Williams sisters play.
Now Fran has beaten one of them. And she faces “mission impossible” next because she will be up against the formidable Jessica Pegula.
That’s another memory waiting to be made. Are you ready to make some memories of your own at Wimbledon 2026?
Fran Jones, Venus Williams, Jessica Pegula and many more might be waiting to entertain you on Centre Court at Wimbledon 2026.
We can secure you some of the best debenture seats in the house for your chosen day at the All England Club.
Just click here to view the prices – or give our friendly staff a call to discuss your options.