The Daily Star Ireland
Coco Gauff ended the fairytale journey of French wildcard Lois Boisson at Roland Garros, halting the 22-year-old’s unprecedented advance with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 semifinal victory. The win sends the world number two into the French Open final, where she will face top seed Aryna Sabalenka.
Boisson, ranked 361 at the start of the tournament, had defied expectations by becoming the first French wildcard in history to reach the semifinals of the French Open. Her run included stunning victories over third seed Jessica Pegula and rising star Mirra Andreeva, ranked sixth in the world, capturing the imagination of the home crowd and energizing the Paris atmosphere.
Boisson Breakthrough Gains National Attention Despite Defeat
Despite the one-sided scoreline, Boisson exits the tournament having dramatically reshaped her tennis future. Her run is projected to lift her WTA ranking by 296 spots, placing her around number 65 globally and making her the new French number one. Previously the 24th-ranked Frenchwoman, Boisson is now expected to receive a main draw wildcard at Wimbledon as a result of her breakout performance.
Gauff, a finalist at Roland Garros in 2022, was composed from the start. She raced to a 4-0 lead in the opening set, showing no signs of discomfort despite facing a partisan crowd eager to see the local underdog continue her run. The American’s consistency and movement proved too much for Boisson, whose powerful topspin forehand—which had been a key weapon in earlier rounds—misfired under pressure.
Even when Boisson briefly rallied at the start of the second set with a service break, Gauff responded immediately, shutting down any chance of a momentum shift. The match concluded in just over an hour, silencing the French supporters on Court Philippe-Chatrier and underlining the American’s readiness for another title shot in Paris.
Focus Turns to Final and Future Implications
Gauff praised Boisson’s performance throughout the tournament, describing her as a formidable competitor who belongs among the world’s elite. She acknowledged the crowd’s support for the French player, noting that she internally used it as motivation during the match.
The result sets the stage for a high-stakes final between the top two seeds, Gauff and Sabalenka, who earlier overcame Iga Swiatek in a grueling three-set match. The upcoming final offers Gauff another opportunity to capture her first French Open title, following her runner-up finish two years ago.
Meanwhile, Boisson returns to the national spotlight in France as a new figure in women’s tennis, with her performances likely to draw increased support and investment in her development. Her success at Roland Garros not only alters her career trajectory but also provides a boost for French tennis, which has lacked a consistent female contender at the top level in recent years.
As Gauff advances toward the championship round, Boisson leaves Paris having made history and with the promise of a significantly brighter future on the professional circuit.
