Fran Jones backs calls for inquest after British players fall short at US Open

British tennis player Fran Jones has joined calls for an inquest into the state of the sport in the UK following another disappointing showing at the US Open. Jones was the last British player remaining at the tournament, but lost to 14th seed Iva Jovic on Thursday, meaning none of the nine players who advanced to the main draw progressed past the second round.

The best British hope, Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery, encountered a tough first-round draw and was defeated by 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti. Other British players, including Cameron Norrie, Jan Choinski, Henry Wendelken, Jacob Fearnley, Toby Samuel, Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, and Jones herself, lost in the first or second round.

Jones highlighted the absence of Britain's most established players, former world No 4 Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu, due to injury. She stated, "You want to see people get to the back end of tournaments. But the top players aren't here. Jack and Emma are our best players." Jones acknowledged that some tough draws were to blame, but added, "You’d have to play a seed in the second round. You have to beat the best to be the best."

Jones acknowledged that while the overall level of the sport was improving, there were still areas for improvement in British tennis. She said, "Do I think there could be an inquest? I always think there’s things that British tennis could do better. So yes, definitely. Do I think it’s something that’s concerning? No, not at all."