In what can only be described as a magical, dreamlike performance, Loïs Boisson, the 361st-ranked Frenchwoman, defied all odds to defeat world No. 6 Mirra Andreeva in straight sets (7-6 [6], 6-3) on Wednesday, securing her place in the Roland-Garros semifinals.
This is no longer just a Cinderella story—it’s a full-blown tennis revolution. A year ago, Boisson was recovering from a torn cruciate ligament, her dreams seemingly shattered. Now, at her first-ever Grand Slam main draw appearance, she has become the first Frenchwoman since Marion Bartoli in 2011 to reach the semifinals at Roland-Garros. At 22 years old, she is also the youngest French semifinalist at a major since Amélie Mauresmo at Wimbledon in 1999.
A Battle of Nerves, Grit, and Glorious Tennis
From the first point, the match was an electrifying duel between Boisson’s fearless aggression and Andreeva’s precise, tactical brilliance. The first set alone lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes, a rollercoaster of momentum swings that had the packed Philippe-Chatrier crowd on the edge of their seats.
First Set: A Tiebreak for the Ages
- Andreeva, the 18-year-old Russian sensation, looked in control early, leading 5-3 and threatening to take the set.
- Boisson, refusing to yield, saved a set point at 4-5 with a blistering crosscourt backhand winner.
- The Frenchwoman then squandered three set points of her own in a 14-minute marathon game, leading to a tiebreak.
- In the breaker, Boisson’s composure under pressure proved decisive. Andreeva, usually ice-cool, double-faulted at a crucial moment, and Boisson seized her chance, clinching the set 7-6 (6).
As the crowd erupted, Boisson placed a finger to her ear, soaking in the chants of “Allez, Loïs!”—a moment of pure sporting ecstasy.
Second Set: Boisson’s Relentless Surge
Andreeva, a 2024 Roland-Garros semifinalist, regrouped early in the second set, breaking Boisson to take a 2-0 lead. But the Frenchwoman, undaunted, roared back.
- A stunning down-the-line backhand winner helped her break back at 2-3, sending the crowd into frenzy.
- Andreeva, visibly frustrated, began unraveling—her ninth double fault of the match handed Boisson another break.
- At 5-3, Boisson served for the match. Three match points came and went, but on the fourth, a lob from Andreeva sailed long, and Boisson collapsed onto the clay in disbelief.
From Hospital Bed to Roland-Garros Semifinal
A year ago, Boisson was watching Roland-Garros from a hospital bed, her knee in ruins. Today, she stands among the final four—a testament to her resilience, talent, and unshakable belief.
What’s Next? A Clash with Coco Gauff
Boisson’s fairytale run now faces its toughest test yet: world No. 2 Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion. But if this tournament has taught us anything, it’s that Boisson fears no one.
- Gauff’s Strengths: Elite defense, powerful groundstrokes, and Grand Slam experience.
- Boisson’s Weapons: Fearless aggression, a lethal forehand, and the entire French crowd behind her.
Final Thoughts: Can She Go All the Way?
Boisson’s journey is already historic, but she’s not done yet. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, she steps onto Chatrier on Thursday ready to shock the world once more.
“On clay today, the Frenchwoman is capable of touching any sky.”
