France’s 361st-ranked Loïs Boisson continued her dream run at the French Open, defeating world number six Mirra Andreeva to advance to the semi-finals at Roland Garros on Wednesday, June 4.
Boisson won a thrilling battle 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 in just over two hours against Russian teenager Andreeva in front of an ecstatic home crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier and advances to meet US world number two Coco Gauff for a place in the final.
Andreeva repeatedly showed her frustration with the crowd, as excited fans chanted “Loïs, Loïs” between points, waved Tricolor flags, shouted during play, and even applauded the Russian teenager’s errors.
The 22-year-old had already eliminated US third seed Jessica Pegula on the red clay of Paris with the wildcard entry extending her run against last year’s semi-finalist Andreeva.
“It was incredible to play in front of this crowd and to feel support like that. It was amazing, thank you,” said Boisson, playing in her first Grand Slam. “My routine won’t change, it’s been the same since the start of the tournament,” she added of her preparation for the semi-finals.
She next meets Gauff, who battled back from a set down to beat Australian Open champion Madison Keys 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-1.
Boisson became the first woman to reach the semifinals at her debut Grand Slam tournament since 1989, when Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati both did it at the French Open.
She is also the youngest French semifinalist at a Grand Slam event since Amelie Mauresmo at Wimbledon in 1999.