Nottingham Open: Francesca Jones loses two match points to Italy’s Gibson.

Britain’s Francesca Jones narrowly lost to Talia Gibson in the first round of the Nottingham Open, leaving her two points unbeaten.

Jones fought back from set and fall – and a medical timeout – to force a deciding set against Australia’s Gibson.

After an early break in the third, Jones hit back and held for two match points as she served for the win at 5-3.

But world number 66 Gibson bounced back and held on to win 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-4) after a grueling three hours and six minutes.

Jones put up a good fight in the longest match of her career, hitting 15 aces and landing 75% of her first serves.

She looked uncomfortable twice, especially after breaking down to start the second set with her head under a towel, breathing deeply.

The doctor was called to court to check her blood pressure and vitals, and Jones continued, breaking Gibson down.

The 25-year-old took another medical timeout at 5-5 in the third set after appearing to struggle with a nose problem.

Earlier in Nottingham, Olympic champion Zeng Qinwen beat Maria Sakkari 4-6 7-6 (7-1) 6-4.

Queen’s finalists Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter both withdrew from the competition on Monday.