FRAN JONES admitted the Williams sisters are a major reason why she is a professional tennis player after beating Venus in the first round of the Miami Open.

Jones has overcome major physical challenges after being born with the genetic condition ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia, leaving her with three fingers and a thumb on each hand and seven toes.

She has in the past admitted to doubting whether she would make it as a professional but now ranked in the top-100, Jones claimed her first career win at a WTA 1000 event by beating seven-time grand slam singles champion Williams 7-5 7-5.

Williams, at 45, is the oldest player in the draw and has lost nine matches in a row but Jones is in no doubt about the massive legacy she and sister Serena have left in the women’s game.

Indeed, after the pair embraced at the net on Thursday, a delighted Jones told Williams she still has a poster of her and Serena on the bedroom wall of her childhood home.

“If it weren’t for those two women, I’m not sure I would have made the step (up to play tennis),” Jones said afterwards in an on-court interview. “They’re the reason that I’m here today.”