
Fran Jones has said she will "100 per cent be there" for her close friend Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon but not as her coach. The British No.4 was in Raducanu's player box with Mark Petchey during her first-round win at the Lexus Eastbourne Open last week.
The two share the same view of tennis and life and visited Oxford University together last year as part of their post-tennis career planning. And the Yorkshire wildcard said: "I think when someone needs to lean on you, you allow them to lean on you. And I felt that that was what she needed on the day. But it's certainly not my role for the future."
"I like the tactics of the game. I really value tennis IQ, especially with my game style. I was in the box, been in the box before. Will be in the box again. It's part of being a good friend.
"And I learned a lot at the side of the court sitting with someone as experienced as Mark who obviously commentates and watches a lot of tennis. He knows what he is doing. I always try and provide any knowledge that I feel like I have.
"I think I read the game very well. And it allows me to keep developing my tennis IQ as well. So I enjoy it. It is not something I would do for just anyone but I think that added support which is what I felt that I needed to do. I'll 100 per cent be there for her.
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"Being a good person is the most important thing to me. My personal values are 100 per cent the driving factor of who I am as a person. So if one of my friends needs me, I'll be there."
Raducanu has employed her childhood coach Petchey and will work with LTA trainers during Wimbledon in her tight-knit entourage. And she claimed this weekend she is happier working with people she can trust.
"I think she's on the right track in terms of building that team," Jones said. I think I'm a healthy sounding board for her in that sense. I definitely guide her with my suggestions. Emma listens when she wants to listen."
The world No.122 who will play Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva in her first round match on Tuesday, is one of 23 British players in the singles.
"Trying to keep the same mindset irrespective of the level of the tournament is really important," insisted the Manchester United fan. "It is something I am quite big on. I just go about it as another week.
"Of course it is great that there will be so much British participation and that is obviously a huge benefit to the tournament. It is obviously the most important week of the year for us, no doubt, but for me it's vital the mindset stays the same."
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