Jones F. fought back from a set down to defeat Ruggeri J. 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the WTA 125K Palermo. The victory was built on superior return play and sharper execution on break points.
Ruggeri took the opener 6-4 after a trade of breaks, breaking Jones at 4-5 to close. Jones turned the match in the second set, reeling off four breaks including a decisive run from 1-1 to 5-1, and though Ruggeri broke back at 5-2, Jones served out for 6-3. In the decider, Jones broke at 2-1 and 5-2 to secure the win.
Jones converted 6 of 12 break points and saved 55% (5/9) of break points faced. A key factor was winning 76% of return points on Ruggeri's second serve (19/25), while Ruggeri managed only 33% (3/9) break points saved.