An inspired Lois Boisson thrilled the crowd at Roland Garros as the French world number 361 defeated Mirra Andreeva on Wednesday, setting up a French Open semi-final clash with Coco Gauff.
Boisson, who made her Grand Slam debut, powered her way to an exciting 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 triumph on a lively Court Philippe Chatrier, becoming the first Frenchwoman to reach the semifinals since Marion Bartoli in 2011.
The 22-year-old was supposed to compete in last year’s French Open but was sidelined by a knee injury the week before the tournament, and she is now the lowest-ranked woman to reach a major semi-final in four decades.
The first set was dramatic, with Andreeva missing a set point after leading 5-3, but Boisson scrambled back, only to let three opportunities slip away in a lengthy 12th game. However, the wildcard held off another set point in the tie-break and seized her next chance, celebrating by cupping her ear towards the enthusiastic crowd.
Andreeva regained her composure and quickly established a 3-0 advantage in the second set, but she was left frustrated after a missed backhand led to a crucial hold of serve for Boisson.
The 18-year-old Andreeva began to falter under pressure, receiving a warning for hitting a ball into the top tier of the stands as the tension escalated beneath the Chatrier roof.
She was met with boos after disputing a line call with the umpire and was broken in the same game after another double fault, falling behind 4-3.
Boisson clinched six straight games to secure a stunning win as Andreeva, one of the pre-tournament favourites, completely fell apart.
