**Lois Boisson Silences Doubters with Sensational French Open Run**
In what has become one of the most captivating stories of this year’s French Open, French wildcard Lois Boisson has taken the tennis world by storm, securing a place in the women’s singles semi-finals after an extraordinary victory over world number six, Mirra Andreeva.
Just weeks ago, Boisson was ranked outside the top 350, making her swift rise through the draw at Roland Garros all the more impressive. The 22-year-old Paris native, who entered the tournament ranked 361st globally, showcased her remarkable tenacity to overcome the teenage Russian in straight sets, 7-6(6), 6-3. This victory propels her into the last four, where she will meet the formidable world number two, Coco Gauff.
This unexpected journey marks Boisson as the lowest-ranked women’s singles semi-finalist at the French Open in the Open Era, and the youngest French woman to reach such heights in a Grand Slam for nearly three decades. Following her series of stunning upsets, Boisson’s world ranking is now projected to rocket to 65th place—a remarkable leap of 296 spots.
The fairy tale run seems to have energised the home crowd in Paris, who have rallied behind Boisson throughout her matches. After her latest triumph, an emotional Boisson expressed her gratitude for the support she has received, crediting her team and those around her for their unwavering backing during both triumphs and tribulations. “It’s impossible to put into words what it feels like,” she said, struggling to contain her delight. “Thanks to everyone on my team; it took all of us to reach this point.”
Reflecting on the physical and mental demands of her quarter-final clash, Boisson admitted she battled nerves and fatigue on court. “Perhaps I was running too much—I was tense right from the beginning,” she observed. “The first set was incredibly intense, and I felt completely drained at the start of the second. But I found a way to recover and push through.” Amusingly, she added that she will be calling on the services of any number of physios to help her recover in time for her semi-final encounter.
Prior to the French Open, Boisson’s name had not made major headlines, except for an incident earlier this spring involving British player Harriet Dart during the Roeun Open. During that tournament, Boisson sailed to a confident 6-0, 6-3 win, yet it was Dart’s controversial mid-match comment that grabbed attention. Microphones picked up Dart requesting the umpire to ask Boisson to apply deodorant, claiming, “She smells really bad.” The remark sparked a backlash, leading Dart to publicly apologise, calling it a regrettable outburst in the heat of competition and expressing respect for her opponent.
Rather than allowing the episode to overshadow her career, Boisson chose to react with humour, even posting a playful edited picture on social media—tongue-in-cheek advertising for a well-known toiletries company and suggesting a possible endorsement deal. This light-hearted approach won her further support on social media and demonstrated her resilience in the face of adversity.
Boisson’s path to the semi-finals has not been short on drama or achievement. En route, she dispatched third seed Jessica Pegula in another surprise victory, firmly establishing herself as the breakout star of the tournament. Each match has seen her grow in confidence, thrilling crowds and attracting new fans with her dynamic play and personable attitude.
Awaiting Boisson in the semi-finals is Coco Gauff, one of the sport’s brightest young talents and a formidable opponent by any measure. For Boisson, regardless of the outcome, her achievements in Paris have already ensured her a place in tennis history and a dramatic surge up the rankings.
As the French Open draws towards its climax, all eyes are on Lois Boisson—a player once dismissed as an outsider, now writing her own remarkable sporting story in front of an adoring home crowd.