Injured Fran in tears after Melbourne exit

FRAN Jones admitted she may need to seek expert physical help after retiring in tears from her first-round match at the Australian Open.

- By ELEANOR CROOKS

Fran Jones has treatment during a medical timeout but had to retire from her match, while, inset, fellow Brit Jacob Fearnley also exited the Australian Open

(PIX: RACHEL BACH/SHUTTERSTOCK)

Having arrived in Melbourne unsure whether she would be fit enough to play because of a groin problem, the British number three suffered a gluteal injury in the same right leg after an early stumble against Polish qualifier Linda Kli-movicova.

Jones became more emotional as the contest went on and, after seeking medical help early in the second set, she decided she could not continue trailing 6-2 3-2.

The 25-year-old could be heard sobbing as she lay on the court receiving treatment, and she was still emotional a couple of hours later as she discussed what happened in her press conference. “I normally stay under control in front of you guys, but I might struggle today,’ said Jones through tears.