First Frenchwoman to reach semi-finals since Marion Bartoli in 2011
Lois Boisson, ranked 361st in the world, celebrates her victory on Court Philippe Chatrier on Wednesday to set up a semi-final against second-seeded Coco Gauff. (Photo: AFP)
PARIS – An inspired Lois Boisson delighted Roland Garros as the French world number 361 downed sixth seed Mirra Andreeva on Wednesday to set up a French Open semi-final against Coco Gauff, before Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic both chase men’s last-four berths.
Boisson, making her debut at a Grand Slam event, powered her way to a thrilling 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 victory on a raucous Court Philippe Chatrier to become the first Frenchwoman to reach the semis since Marion Bartoli in 2011.
The 22-year-old, who was due to play at last year’s French Open but suffered a knee injury the week before the tournament, is the lowest-ranked woman to reach a major semi-final in 40 years.
“It was incredible to play in front of this crowd and feel support like that,” said Boisson, after hitting 24 winners past her Russian opponent to follow up her fourth-round win over world number three Jessica Pegula with an even more surprising victory.
A dramatic first set saw Andreeva miss a set point after leading 5-3, before Boisson fought back only to see three chances of her own come and go in a marathon 12th game.
But the wildcard fought off another set point in the tie-break, before taking her next opportunity, cupping her ear towards the adoring crowd in celebration.
Andreeva gathered herself and quickly built a 3-0 lead in the second set, only to be left jumping up and down in anger after a missed backhand gave Boisson a much-needed hold of serve.
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