British wildcard Fran Jones prepares for maiden Wimbledon appearance… by writing tactical advice for England boss Gareth Southgate at Euro 2020!
Britain’s Fran Jones is preparing for a first tilt at the Wimbledon main draw by writing tactical analysis for England boss Gareth Southgate.
The 20-year-old wildcard, a self-confessed football ‘hooligan’, will juggle next week’s debut at SW19 with channel-hopping between Euro 2020 matches.
‘An athlete has to live for their sport, but it is important we have moments where we disconnect,’ said Jones.
Fran Jones admits watching Euro 2020 is a helpful distraction away from playing tennis
‘Football is a great distraction for me… If I’m not watching England, I’m studying how we beat the other teams! On Wednesday, France and Germany were on my big screen and my mum was not allowed to come into the room as I was writing tactics to send to Southgate!’
Jones was speaking while wearing a David Beckham England shirt from Euro 2000.
‘Of course I will be following the football… I’m very patriotic and I will be supporting the guys.’
Jones even has a Euro 2000-era replica England shirt with David Beckham’s name and number
Jones has ‘cheekily’ told her agents that a career in football may await once she hangs up her racket, but first she wants to make a dent at Wimbledon.
‘Hopefully I can put my mark on the tournament,’ Jones said.
Meanwhile, at Eastbourne on Thursday, No 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka was beaten in the quarter-finals of the Viking International by Italy’s Camila Giorgi.
There are no seeds left in the women’s draw now. On the men’s side, Australian Max Purcell defeated Andreas Seppi to book a first ATP Tour semi-final, where he will face No 3 seed Lorenzo Sonego.