Emerson Jones, currently the junior world number one, is making waves at Wimbledon by reaching the quarter-finals of the girls’ singles tournament. Just two days post her 17th birthday, Jones triumphed over Spanish player Eugenia Zozaya Menendez with a score of 6-4, 6-4, displaying impressive skill with 36 winners throughout the match.
Jones has yet to drop a set during her three matches at the prestigious All England Club, aiming for her third consecutive semi-final appearance at a junior grand slam this year. Notably, she was a finalist at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2022.
In her next challenge, Jones faces Slovak rising star Mia Pohankova, who also reached the semi-finals earlier in the year at Melbourne Park, with their match slated for 9:10 PM on Thursday.
In addition to her singles success, Jones remains the last Australian competitor left in the tournament. She has advanced to the girls’ doubles quarter-finals alongside Belgian partner Jeline Vandromme. The duo showcased their resilience early Thursday by overcoming British pair Hollie Smart and Mia Wainwright after a difficult first set that saw them facing match point. They ultimately won the match in a nail-biting super tiebreak, finishing 5-7, 7-5, 10-7.
Due to a packed schedule, Jones has a very short turnaround to prepare for her doubles quarter-final, which is set to occur just a few hours after her singles encounter. A win in this upcoming match would match her best-ever result at Wimbledon in doubles, following a semi-final appearance last year with Italian partner Vittoria Paganetti.
Earlier this year, Jones made her debut in the main draw at the Australian Open, but faced disappointment against the No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina, losing in straight sets. She had better luck at Wimbledon, advancing through the early stages of qualifying before being eliminated from the main event.
Jones’ noteworthy achievements and continued performance at Wimbledon display her potential as she pursues her first major title, firmly establishing her as a rising star in the tennis world.