Francesca Jones defeated Noha Akugue 6-3, 6-1 at the WTA 125K Rome in a commanding straight-sets win, built on superior return and serve. Jones converted 4 of 7 break points while saving 1 of 2 break points faced, and won 79% of first-serve points to Noha's 59%.
The first set saw four breaks: Jones broke at 2-1 and again at 4-3, with Noha briefly levelling at 2-2, before Jones broke again at 6-3 to close the set. In the second, Jones broke early at 2-0 and sealed the match with a break at 5-1, dropping just one game.
Jones dominated on second serve, winning 60% of points compared to Noha's 13%, and won 86% of second-serve returns. The Briton ran off seven consecutive games from 3-3 in the first set to take control.