Frenchwoman Boisson has taken the tennis world by storm at the 2025 French Open, pulling off one of the most remarkable upsets in recent memory. On June 2, 2025, the 22-year-old wildcard, ranked world No. 361, defeated No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula in a thrilling fourth-round match at Roland Garros, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. This victory marks her as the lowest-ranked player to reach the French Open quarterfinals in four decades, a feat that has electrified fans and reshaped the tournament narrative. Boisson’s journey, from a debilitating injury to a Grand Slam breakthrough, showcases resilience and raw talent.
Frenchwoman Boisson’s Improbable Rise
Last year, Frenchwoman Boisson faced heartbreak. A week before her planned Roland Garros debut in 2024, she tore her ACL, sidelining her for nine months. Unable to watch the tournament, she focused on recovery, using innovative neurovisual training to keep her reflexes sharp. Her return to the WTA Tour came in April 2025 at the Rouen Open, where she gained attention not just for her play but for a lighthearted moment when opponent Harriet Dart made an odd comment about her hygiene. Boisson brushed it off with humor, posting a playful social media jab. Now, her focus and grit have propelled her to a career-defining moment on the sport’s biggest stage.
Her fourth-round clash with Pegula was a masterclass in tenacity. After dropping the first set, Boisson shifted gears, using a mix of heavy topspin forehands, deft drop shots, and lobs to unsettle the American. The Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd roared her on, chanting “Loïs!” as she broke Pegula at 4-4 in the third set. Serving for the match, she saved three break points, sealing the win with a blistering forehand. This victory, her first against a top-50 player, has skyrocketed her ranking by 241 spots to No. 120.
Frenchwoman Boisson’s Tactical Brilliance
What makes Frenchwoman Boisson’s upset so compelling is her strategic evolution. Initially overwhelmed by Pegula’s baseline consistency, she adapted mid-match, exploiting the American’s hesitation at the net. Her heavy forehand, described as bouncing “super high” by analysts, forced Pegula into errors. Boisson’s speed allowed her to chase down shots and turn defense into offense, often running around her backhand to unleash forehand winners. The crowd’s energy amplified her performance, transforming the partially filled stands into a raucous sea of support by the third set.
Her stats tell the story of a player punching above her weight. Boisson hit 28 winners compared to Pegula’s 22, with a 75% first-serve point win rate in the decisive set. She converted 3 of 5 break points while saving 4 of 7 against her. This performance wasn’t a fluke; Boisson had already shown her mettle by defeating Elise Mertens and Anhelina Kalinina earlier in the tournament. Her ability to stay calm under pressure, especially on a stage as grand as Chatrier, signals a bright future.
The Road Ahead at Roland Garros
Boisson’s Cinderella story now faces a stern test. In the quarterfinals on June 4, 2025, she meets No. 6 seed Mirra Andreeva, an 18-year-old prodigy who dispatched Daria Kasatkina in straight sets. Andreeva’s aggressive baseline game and mental toughness make her a formidable opponent. Yet Boisson, playing with “house money” as commentators note, has nothing to lose. A win would propel her into the top 100 and cement her as a national hero, the first Frenchwoman in the Roland Garros semifinals since 2017.
Her journey resonates beyond the court. Boisson’s tattoo of “resilience” on her elbow embodies her comeback from injury and obscurity. She’s earned €440,000 ($503,000) already, a massive leap from her career earnings of $148,000. The French crowd, notoriously tough, has embraced her, laughing at her quip, “I can stay a long time if you like.” Whether her run ends in the quarterfinals or beyond, Boisson has redefined what’s possible for a wildcard.
A Star in the Making
Frenchwoman Boisson’s 2025 French Open run is more than an upset; it’s a testament to perseverance. From a career-threatening injury to defeating a Grand Slam finalist, she’s captured the imagination of tennis fans worldwide. Her next match against Andreeva will test her limits, but Boisson’s fearless play and infectious energy suggest she’s far from done. Keep an eye on this rising star—her story is just beginning.
Follow Loïs Boisson’s journey at Roland Garros and share your thoughts on her incredible run in the comments below!