Loïs Boisson, a 22-year-old French wildcard ranked 361st in the world, stunned the tennis world by defeating sixth seed Mirra Andreeva 7-6(6), 6-3 to advance to the semifinals of Roland Garros 2025 in Paris. The Dijon native secured her historic victory in 2 hours and 8 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier, overcoming deficits in both sets to become the first French woman to reach this stage at the tournament since Marion Bartoli in 2011. Fresh off her upset of world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the fourth round, Boisson’s remarkable run has already propelled her at least 300 spots up the WTA rankings, ensuring a top-70 debut. After a 2024 knee injury sidelined her, Boisson’s resilience shines as she prepares to face No. 2 seed Coco Gauff for a place in the final.
Boisson’s win over Andreeva showcased her composure, as she rallied from behind in the first set and dominated the second’s closing stages. The fervent home crowd fueled her performance, while Andreeva, 18, struggled with frustration, committing nine double faults.
- Performance: Boisson claimed five wins in Paris, including two top-10 scalps.
- Milestone: First wildcard in the Open Era to reach Roland Garros semifinals.
- Next challenge: Faces world No. 2 Coco Gauff in the semifinals.
Her campaign marks a historic moment for French tennis and inspires players from lower rankings.
A remarkable rise
Loïs Boisson arrived at Roland Garros 2025 as an underdog, virtually unknown outside France with a world ranking of 361. Granted a wildcard, she had never faced a top-20 player before the tournament. Her fourth-round victory over Jessica Pegula, the world No. 3, turned heads, but her triumph over Andreeva cemented her status as a sensation. Boisson battled through a tight first-set tiebreak and staged a stunning comeback in the second, showcasing her grit and tactical acumen.
A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in 2024 had derailed Boisson’s expected Roland Garros debut, forcing her into months of grueling rehabilitation. Her 2025 resurgence, fueled by victories in lower-tier clay-court events, earned her the wildcard that launched her historic run in Paris.
Grit on display
The match against Mirra Andreeva on Court Philippe-Chatrier tested Boisson’s physical and mental resolve. Trailing 3-1 and later 5-3 in the first set, she faced two set points but held firm with staunch defense and bold shot-making. Boisson clinched the tiebreak 8-6, capitalizing on Andreeva’s errors and riding the electric energy of the French crowd.
In the second set, Andreeva surged to a 3-0 lead, but Boisson remained unfazed. She reeled off the final six games, exploiting the Russian’s unraveling composure. Andreeva’s nine double faults and a code violation for angrily striking a ball into the stands underscored her frustration, while Boisson’s poise sealed the upset.
- First set: Won 8-6 in a tiebreak after saving two set points.
- Second set: Captured six straight games for the victory.
- Crowd support: French fans provided a pivotal boost.
- Andreeva’s struggles: Nine double faults and a conduct warning.
Historic milestones
Boisson’s Roland Garros 2025 campaign has etched her name into tennis history. She is the third player since 1980 to reach a Grand Slam semifinal in her main-draw debut, joining Monica Seles (1989) and Jennifer Capriati (1990), both at Roland Garros. As the first wildcard in the Open Era to achieve this feat in Paris, Boisson has set a new benchmark.
At 22, she is also the youngest French Grand Slam semifinalist since Amélie Mauresmo, now the tournament director, reached Wimbledon’s semifinals in 1999. By defeating two top-10 players (Pegula and Andreeva), Boisson mirrors Seles’ 1989 feat in a Grand Slam debut.
Ranking leap
Boisson’s career-high ranking was No. 152 in 2024, before her injury. Her five wins in Paris guarantee a climb of at least 300 spots, securing a debut in the top 70 when the WTA rankings update. A win over Gauff could push her even higher, potentially into the top 50.
The financial rewards are equally transformative. With career earnings under 100,000 euros, Boisson has secured approximately 800,000 euros by reaching the semifinals, a life-changing sum for the young player.
Playing style and preparation
A clay-court specialist, Boisson honed her game through four title wins in smaller 2024 tournaments. Her style blends a powerful forehand, tactical versatility, and dogged defense, making her a formidable foe on the Paris dirt. Before facing Andreeva, she trained with men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner to sharpen her timing and court awareness.
Boisson’s ability to stay calm under pressure stood out against Andreeva. She neutralized the Russian’s backhand and varied spins, maintaining focus amid the roaring crowd. Her disciplined approach will be critical against Gauff’s speed and consistency.
Home crowd energy
The Court Philippe-Chatrier became a fortress of support for Boisson, with French fans erupting at every point won. Their energy proved decisive, particularly during her first-set rally and second-set surge. After the match, Boisson acknowledged the crowd’s role, crediting their passion for her ability to stay locked in.
Her story resonates deeply with fans. Watching Roland Garros from home in 2024 while recovering from injury was agonizing, but the support of her team and family fueled her comeback. Boisson’s journey has made her a symbol of perseverance for the French public.
Road to Paris
Boisson’s path to Roland Garros was fraught with obstacles. She fell in qualifying rounds in 2021, 2022, and 2023, seemingly stuck in the lower tiers of professional tennis. Her 2024 clay-court successes, however, caught the attention of tournament organizers, who awarded her the wildcard.
The 2024 knee injury required extensive rehabilitation, testing her resolve. Boisson inked “resilience” on her right elbow as a permanent reminder of her determination. That mindset powered her through high-stakes matches in Paris, earning her a place among the sport’s rising stars.
- Injury: Tore her ACL in 2024, missing Roland Garros.
- Comeback: Won four clay-court titles in 2024.
- Wildcard: Earned through strong 2024 performances.
Facing Coco Gauff
Boisson’s semifinal clash with Coco Gauff, the world No. 2, is her toughest test yet. Gauff advanced after a three-set win over Madison Keys (6-7, 6-4, 6-1) on the same day as Boisson’s victory. The 21-year-old American, a 2022 Roland Garros finalist, brings experience and athleticism.
Undaunted by rankings, Boisson will likely lean on her aggressive forehand and defensive tenacity to challenge Gauff. The French crowd will create a daunting atmosphere, potentially unsettling the American and giving Boisson an edge.
Reviving French tennis
Boisson’s run has reignited excitement for women’s tennis in France, which hasn’t seen a Grand Slam champion since Mauresmo in 2006. Her rise from obscurity underscores the value of wildcards in nurturing local talent. Boisson is now viewed as a potential torchbearer for the next generation, alongside players like Caroline Garcia.
Her presence in the semifinals enhances Roland Garros’ reputation as a stage for improbable triumphs. Boisson’s journey, defined by stunning upsets, continues to captivate a global audience, with fans eager for her next match.