Loïs Boisson, currently ranked 361, is making headlines at Roland-Garros after her stunning progression to the semifinals. The French wild-card player claimed a major scalp in third-seeded Jessica Pegula in the last round and went on to defeat sixth-ranked Mirra Andreeva with scores of 7-6 (6), 6-3, amidst a passionate crowd cheering her on.
A year prior, Boisson suffered a severe left ACL tear just before the French Open, which derailed her chance to compete. Now, she stands on the brink of the finals, set to face second seed Coco Gauff. Reflecting on her journey, the 22-year-old acknowledged the magnitude of her accomplishments, especially given the hardships of the past year.
Boisson’s emergence at the tournament is notable, as she is the first woman to reach the semifinals in her debut Grand Slam since 1989. Additionally, she is the youngest French semi-finalist at a Grand Slam event since Amélie Mauresmo in 1999. The last Frenchwoman to claim the Roland-Garros title was Mary Pierce, 25 years ago.
“It’s just the result of hard work,” Boisson remarked, downplaying notions of luck. The match witnessed fluctuating momentum, with Boisson facing breaks but recovering with powerful groundstrokes. Andreeva, meanwhile, appeared rattled by the crowd’s support for Boisson, which notably hindered her composure and decision-making.
The first set displayed intense competition, with both players exchanging breaks until Boisson clinched it after Andreeva squandered a lead. The second set began with Andreeva racing to a 3-0 advantage, but Boisson quickly turned the tide, demonstrating resilience.
Post-match, Boisson expressed her ambition not just to reach the semifinals but to aspire to win, stating, “Every kid who plays tennis dreams to win a slam… For sure I will go for the dream.” With her victory, Boisson is projected to make a significant leap in the rankings, from No. 152 to at least No. 68.
Andreeva reflected on her defeat, acknowledging the difficulty of managing the pressure from a supportive crowd. Her experience highlights the unique atmosphere of the event, underscoring the challenges players face under such scrutiny.
As the French Open progresses, all eyes will be on Boisson as she chases not just a spot in the finals but the coveted title itself.