𝐋𝐨ï𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧: The French Tennis Prodigy Who Conquered Roland-Garros 2025

In the storied history of Roland-Garros, few wildcards have managed to captivate the tennis world quite like Loïs Boisson did in 2025. Born and raised in France, and virtually unknown on the global stage, Boisson stunned audiences with her improbable rise to the semifinals of the French Open. Her journey was one of perseverance, national pride, and undeniable talent—reviving dreams of French glory on the clay courts of Paris.

Who Is Loïs Boisson?

Born on May 16, 2003, in Dijon, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France, Loïs Boisson has emerged as one of the most promising talents in French tennis. The daughter of Yann Boisson, a former professional basketball player, she grew up in a sports-driven household that fostered her early athletic ambitions. Though basketball ran in the family, tennis was where young Loïs found her passion.

Training under the guidance of Patrick Larose and the late Jérôme Golmard, a former ATP top-25 player, Boisson developed her craft with remarkable discipline. Known for her focus, emotional maturity, and sharp tactical play, she began climbing through the junior and ITF circuits with modest but steady progress.

Early Career Highlights and Challenges

Boisson made her WTA debut in 2021 at the Lyon Open, competing in doubles alongside fellow French player Juline Fayard. Though the appearance did not yield a title, it marked her introduction to the elite level of women’s tennis.

By 2023 and early 2024, Boisson was primarily competing in the ITF circuit, earning several deep runs but struggling to break into the top 150 in the WTA rankings. Her breakthrough finally came in May 2024, when she won the WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo, defeating seasoned compatriot Chloé Paquet in the final. That title propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 152.

However, just days before the 2024 Roland-Garros, Boisson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—a devastating blow. The injury not only forced her out of the Grand Slam on home soil but also sidelined her for the remainder of the season. Rehabilitation was grueling and costly, leading Boisson and her family to launch a crowdfunding campaign to finance her recovery. Far from the glittering life of top-tier tennis, Boisson’s reality was one of grit and survival.

2025: The Road to Redemption

Returning from injury in early 2025, Boisson’s ranking had plummeted to No. 361. She re-entered competition with caution, claiming a modest ITF title in Slovenia and slowly regaining match rhythm. But her wildcard entry into Roland-Garros 2025 was met with skepticism—even among French fans.

What unfolded over the next two weeks in Paris, however, would change everything.

Roland-Garros 2025: A Fairy Tale on Clay

Roland-Garros 2025 became the grand stage for Loïs Boisson’s career-defining performance. Her run was historic not only for its quality but also for the sheer improbability of it.

Round 1: The Earthquake – Victory Over Jessica Pegula

In what was arguably the biggest upset of the tournament, Boisson stunned world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in a thrilling three-set battle. Her intelligent use of angles, exceptional footwork, and fearless forehand winners drew gasps from the Parisian crowd. Suddenly, a wildcard ranked outside the top 350 had defeated one of the tour's most consistent players.

“She played lights-out tennis,” Pegula later remarked. “It felt like she had nothing to lose, and she executed her game plan perfectly.”

Round 2 to Quarterfinals: The Rise of a Star

• Round 2: Defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets, showcasing her composure under pressure.

• Round 3: Overcame Anhelina Kalinina in a rain-delayed match that tested both her patience and stamina.

• Round 4: In a tense all-French duel, Boisson outlasted Elsa Jacquemot, proving her ability to handle both the expectations and the weight of national attention.

• Quarterfinals: Pulled off a masterful win over 17-year-old prodigy Mirra Andreeva, becoming the first Frenchwoman to reach the Roland-Garros semifinals since Mary Pierce in 2005.

The match against Andreeva was a psychological test: youth versus youth, nerves versus nerves. But Boisson prevailed with clever shot selection and unwavering focus, drawing roaring support from the home crowd.

Semifinal Showdown: Boisson vs. Gauff

In the semifinal, Boisson faced Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion and world No. 2. Despite a valiant effort, Boisson was overpowered in straight sets. But the loss did little to diminish her newfound status as a national hero.

“This is just the beginning,” she told the press. “I’ve proven to myself that I belong here.”

Game Style and Strengths

Boisson’s game is built for clay: heavy topspin from both wings, excellent court coverage, and a mental calmness that belies her age. Her forehand is her main weapon—penetrating and consistent—while her two-handed backhand is reliable and tactically sound.

She excels at resetting points, using her movement to neutralize aggression and wait for her chance to attack. Her serve is not overpowering, but she compensates with placement and intelligent second-serve strategies.

Mentally, Boisson shows maturity far beyond her ranking. Her ability to play big points well, especially under pressure, has become one of her defining traits.

Media Impact and Cultural Significance

Boisson’s rise became one of the feel-good stories of Roland-Garros 2025. Her background—overcoming injury, financial strain, and low expectations—resonated with fans worldwide.

In France, she was immediately hailed as the “new hope” for French women’s tennis, a title that has weighed heavily on others before her. But Boisson seems to embrace the spotlight with grace.

Major French outlets like L’Équipe, France Télévisions, and Le Monde ran daily features on her, while international media—BBC Sport, The New York Times, ESPN—took notice of her potential star power.

Social media erupted with praise. Her Instagram following tripled during the tournament, and she received congratulations from French icons like Amélie Mauresmo, Tony Parker, and even President Emmanuel Macron.

Off the Court

Loïs Boisson is described by coaches and teammates as humble, driven, and analytical. She speaks fluent French and English, and enjoys reading psychology and history in her downtime. A vocal supporter of mental health awareness in sport, Boisson has spoken openly about the pressures of professional tennis and the importance of resilience.

She continues to work closely with her longtime coach Patrick Larose, crediting their close relationship as key to her comeback.

Projected Ranking and Future Prospects

As a result of her performance at Roland-Garros, Boisson is expected to break into the top 100 for the first time, with analysts estimating a new ranking around No. 72. She has also secured over €690,000 in prize money, a life-changing sum that will allow her to fund her travel, coaching, and physiotherapy needs.

More importantly, Boisson now has direct entry into future Grand Slams and WTA 1000 events—a huge advantage in a tour where qualifying draws can be brutal.

With her clay-court pedigree, growing confidence, and nationwide support, Boisson could become a fixture in the WTA’s second tier—and possibly beyond. Some experts even see her as a potential Roland-Garros champion in the years ahead.

A New Era for French Tennis?

Loïs Boisson’s story is not just about one tournament. It’s about hope, second chances, and the dream of becoming more than anyone expected. From wild card to semifinalist, she has injected life into French tennis and reminded us all that resilience is the foundation of greatness.

As the dust settles on Roland-Garros 2025, the tennis world won’t soon forget the name Loïs Boisson—and France may have finally found its next great champion.