Yelyzaveta Kotliar rallied from a set down to defeat Francesca Jones 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Round of 32 at Rabat on Tuesday. After dropping the opener, Kotliar dominated the final two sets, converting 7 of 13 break points to advance on the hard courts of Morocco.
Jones raced through the first set with aggressive play, but her form unraveled as Kotliar found her rhythm. The Ukrainian turned a 2-6 deficit into a commanding 6-3 second set, breaking Jones four times while tightening her own service games. The decisive third set saw Kotliar maintain pressure, ultimately winning 98 total points to Jones’ 93 despite both players committing 8 double faults in a nervy encounter.
Kotliar closed out the match with superior efficiency on first serve, winning 62% of those points compared to Jones’ 55%. The comeback marks a crucial victory for Kotliar as she progresses to the Round of 16.
Key Takeaways
- Kotliar’s break point conversion proved decisive — she won 7 of 13 opportunities (54%) compared to Jones converting 7 of 16 (44%), capitalizing on crucial moments in the second and third sets.
- First serve dominance tilted the match: Kotliar won 62% of first serve points while Jones managed just 55%, a 7-point gap that compounded across 98 total points.
- Both players struggled with double faults, each committing 8, but Kotliar’s superior second serve performance (33% points won vs Jones’ 32%) gave her the edge in tight service games.
- The 5-point margin in total points won (98-93) underscores how narrow this comeback was — Kotliar won the critical moments after dropping the first set 2-6.
Player Analysis
Yelyzaveta Kotliar
Kotliar’s ability to reset after a disastrous first set defined this victory. She absorbed Jones’ early aggression and gradually imposed herself through disciplined break point conversion. Her 62% success rate on first serve points, despite landing just 60% of first serves, suggests she picked her spots well when the serve went in. The 8 double faults reveal lingering nerves, but Kotliar’s 33% second serve points won — though modest — edged Jones when it mattered most. Converting 7 of 13 break chances across the final two sets demonstrated composure under pressure, particularly after the lopsided opener.
Francesca Jones
Jones’ collapse after a dominant first set exposes the inconsistency that has plagued her recent form. Despite a higher first serve percentage (65%), she won just 55% of those points — a troubling sign when your best shot fails to yield results. Her break point conversion deteriorated sharply after the first set; converting only 7 of 16 opportunities meant squandered chances to halt Kotliar’s momentum. The 8 double faults, matching her hard court average, compounded the damage. Jones’ inability to maintain the aggression that swept her through the opener allowed Kotliar back into the match, and she never regained control.
Match Statistics
| Yelyzaveta Kotliar | Stat | Francesca Jones |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Aces | 1 |
| 8 | Double Faults | 8 |
| 60% | 1st Serve % | 65% |
| 62% | 1st Serve Points Won | 55% |
| 33% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 32% |
| 7/13 | Break Points Won | 7/16 |
| 98 | Total Points Won | 93 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Yelyzaveta Kotliar vs Francesca Jones at Rabat 2026?
Yelyzaveta Kotliar defeated Francesca Jones 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the Round of 32 at the 2026 Rabat tournament on May 19.
How many break points did Kotliar convert against Jones?
Kotliar converted 7 of 13 break point opportunities (54%), while Jones won 7 of 16 (44%).
Who won the Rabat 2026 Round of 32 match between Kotliar and Jones?
Yelyzaveta Kotliar won the match after rallying from a 2-6 first set loss to take the final two sets 6-3, 6-4.
What was the difference in first serve performance between Kotliar and Jones?
Kotliar won 62% of first serve points with a 60% first serve percentage, while Jones won 55% with a 65% first serve percentage — a 7-point gap in effectiveness despite Jones landing more first serves.
What’s Next
Kotliar advances to the Round of 16 in Rabat, where she will look to build on this comeback performance. Jones, still seeking her first career title, exits with more questions about her ability to close out matches from winning positions.
