Jones became more emotional as the contest went on and, after seeking medical help early in the second set, she decided she could not continue trailing 6-2 3-2.

The 25-year-old could be heard sobbing as she lay on the court receiving treatment, and she was still emotional a couple of hours later as she discussed what happened in her press conference.

“I normally stay under control in front of you guys, but I might struggle today,” said Jones through tears.

“I went for a slice, and the leg that I had injured, I slipped on it and fell. I felt something pull in my glute. I tried to see if it would settle but obviously aware of then multiple injuries in one leg. Very difficult to think about the match at that point.

“Obviously, I’m at a career-high [ranking]. I’m probably in the main draws of the Masters, and then you are thinking, should I continue? Do I fight because it’s a slam? There’s money, there’s points on the line. Equally, with my history, it’s probably not the smartest thing to keep pushing.”

Jones is unfortunately no stranger to retirements and has had to overcome major physical challenges linked to a genetic condition that means she only has three fingers and a thumb on each hand and seven toes.

She gave herself an ultimatum last season that she would quit if she did not reach the top 100 and, having hit a career high of 69 last week following a first top-20 win over Emma Navarro, she is now determined to find a way to compete at the top level week in, week out.