Lois Boisson’s improbable journey at the 2025 French Open has captivated the tennis world. Entering the tournament ranked No. 361, the 22-year-old French wildcard pulled off a stunning upset against world No. 3 Jessica Pegula to reach the quarterfinals. This remarkable run not only propelled her into the spotlight but also guaranteed her a substantial increase in career prize money, quadrupling her previous earnings.
From Viral Joke to Tennis Sensation
Just weeks before her stunning Roland Garros performance, Boisson was primarily known for a humorous off-court incident. Following a complaint about her body odor from British player Harriet Dart during a match in April, Boisson responded with a self-deprecating joke, posting a photoshopped image of herself holding a deodorant can and tagging Dove for a potential sponsorship. However, her on-court achievements have now overshadowed this incident, transforming her from a viral meme into a serious contender.
Shocking the World at Roland Garros
Boisson’s path to the French Open quarterfinals was nothing short of extraordinary. In her major debut, she secured her first-ever Grand Slam wins, defeating 24th seed Elise Mertens, Anhelina Kalinina, and fellow French wildcard Elsa Jacquemot before facing Pegula. Her victory against Pegula, in front of a roaring home crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier, was particularly remarkable. Despite losing the first set, Boisson rallied to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, becoming the lowest-ranked woman to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since Kaia Kanepi at the 2017 U.S. Open.
Quadrupling Career Prize Money
Before her French Open run, Boisson’s career earnings amounted to approximately $148,009. Reaching the quarterfinals guaranteed her a minimum of $500,284, effectively more than tripling her previous earnings in a single tournament. If she were to win her quarterfinal match against Mirra Andreeva, her prize money would increase to at least $1,449,228. Winning the entire tournament would result in a staggering $2,897,947, roughly 20 times her pre-tournament career earnings.
A Career Marked by Perseverance
Boisson turned professional in 2019 at the age of 16. She primarily competed on the ITF circuit, with occasional appearances in WTA tour-level events. In 2021, she made her WTA debut in a doubles match at the Lyon Open. Her breakthrough year came in 2024 when she won her first WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo, defeating Chloé Paquet in the final and breaking into the top 200 rankings.
Injury Setback
Boisson’s progress was unfortunately interrupted by an ACL tear in her left knee, sustained just a week before the 2024 French Open. This injury forced her to miss her Grand Slam debut and sidelined her for several months. Her resilience in returning to the sport and achieving such a significant result at the 2025 French Open is a testament to her determination.
Impact and Future Prospects
Boisson’s quarterfinal appearance at the French Open has had a transformative impact on her career. Her ranking will significantly improve, opening doors to bigger tournaments and more opportunities. As she stated in her post-match press conference, “My ranking will open doors to bigger tournaments, and that’s what will change my life.”
Potential Endorsements
Her newfound fame could also lead to lucrative endorsement deals. The humorous incident involving the deodorant complaint has already highlighted her marketability, and her on-court success will only increase her appeal to potential sponsors.
Quarterfinal Showdown
Boisson’s quarterfinal match against Mirra Andreeva promises to be an exciting encounter. Andreeva, a highly-rated young Russian player, will provide a stern test for Boisson. However, with the support of the home crowd and the momentum of her previous victories, Boisson has a genuine chance of progressing to the semifinals.
Conclusion
Lois Boisson’s remarkable run at the 2025 French Open is a true Cinderella story. Her journey from a relatively unknown player to a Grand Slam quarterfinalist has captured the hearts of tennis fans worldwide. Regardless of the outcome of her quarterfinal match, Boisson has already achieved a life-changing result, quadrupling her career prize money and establishing herself as a rising star in the world of tennis. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring players and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a little bit of humor.
No Comment! Be the first one.