Lois Boisson is in the quarterfinals. © APA/afp / ALAIN JOCARD

This Frenchwoman writes a tennis fairytale in Paris

A year ago, she was in hospital with an injured knee, and now she's sensationally reached the quarterfinals of her first French Open appearance in Paris. We're talking about local French hero Lois Boisson.

June 02, 2025

From: leo

At just 22 years old, Lois Boisson has already experienced both of the sport's medals. She is currently the last remaining hope of an entire country at the French Open. Almost exactly a year ago, however, she was condemned to spectator duty. The reason: Just one week before the world's most important clay-court tournament, Boisson tore the cruciate ligament in her left knee. Her Grand Slam debut was postponed for a full year.

The Frenchwoman, who was close to breaking into the top 150 in May last year, slipped down the world rankings and was only No. 361 before the French Open. After returning to the tennis court in February, however, she steadily improved her form and won an ITF tournament in Saint-Gaudens in early May.

Does the fairy tale continue?

In Paris, she beat Elise Mertens (WTA 24), Anhelina Kalinina (WTA 113) and Elsa Jacquemot (WTA 138) before celebrating the biggest victory of her career in the round of 3 on Monday: Despite being a set behind, Boisson beat world number three Jessica Pegula 6:6, 4:6 and 4:XNUMX.

Lois Boisson fought back tears. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

With this victory, she climbed to fourth place in the world rankings, ranking 120th, and is also guaranteed €440.000. However, this victory won't be her last in Paris. After her triumph against Pegula, Boisson said: "Now I hope to win the tournament." Her next opponent, 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva, has been warned.