Britain’s Francesca Jones achieved a dream come true by defeating her childhood idol, Venus Williams, 7-5, 7-5 in the first round of the Miami Open on Thursday (March 19).

The 25-year-old notched her first career WTA 1000 victory, ending the 45-year-old Williams’ streak of struggles, with the seven-time Grand Slam champion now on nine straight losses since last summer.

Meanwhile, second seed Iga Swiatek suffered a shock exit as world number 50 Magda Linette came from a set down to win 1-6, 7-5, 6-3. It’s the first time in 74 tournaments that Swiatek has lost her opening match, extending her disappointing run in 2026, with the reigning Wimbledon champion yet to reach a semi-final this year.