French tennis sensation Lois Boisson vowed on Wednesday to remain focused as she prepares to battle for a place in the women's singles final of the 2025 French Open.
The 22-year-old from Dijon, south-eastern France, saw off the sixth seed Mirra Andreeva 7-6, 6-3 on Wednesday afternoon to become only the fifth woman since tennis became a professional game in 1968 to reach the semi-finals on her debut at one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York
Boisson, who was given an invitation to appear in the main draw, will take on the second seed Coco Gauff on Thursday afternoon for a chance to vie for one of the most prestigious prizes in her sport.
"I am not really thinking about what will be next," Boisson said. "I am just trying to stay in this tournament.
"I'm staying in my zone," she added. "I don't really watch the social media and everything. I just stay focused and I will look at all this kind of thing after the tournament.
"I am really enjoying everything that I am experiencing on the court and outside the court."
Boisson came into the second Grand Slam tournament of the season as an unknown at 361 in the WTA rankings and has gained notoriety as she progressed through the field on the clay courts at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris.
Frenchwoman in week two
Her third round showdown with compatriot Elsa Jacquemot assured local tennis bosses of a Frenchwoman in the second week of the championships.
However, Boisson's voyage was expected to end on Monday against the third seed Jessica Pegula.
But unleashing heavy top spin forehands reminiscent of her idol Rafael Nadal and low bouncing slices, Boisson beguiled Pegula to win in three sets to become the first Frenchwoman to reach the last eight at the French Open since Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic in 2017.
On Wednesday, she emulated the feats of Marion Bartoli who advanced to the last four in Paris in 2011.
Pride in play
"All the matches have been really tough," added Boisson. "So I'm just proud about how they have all been ending.
"I am just proud of myself because it was really tough for me to go into the semi-final."
In the match against Andreeva, Boisson saved a set point as she came back to level at 5-5 in the first set.
She then blew three of her own when she was leading 6-5 and then had to fight off another during a nail-biting tiebreak which she eventually claimed eight points to six.
In the second set, after losing the first three games, Boisson won six on the trot to the delight of the centre court crowd to clinch it 6-3 and the match.
Andreeva was munificent in defeat. "Lois has a great serve and she has a great forehand, she said.
"She also played solid and consistent throughout the whole match. She managed the situation better than me."
Though only 18, Andreeva went into the clash on centre court boasting more top tournament experience with nine appearances at the Grand Slam tournaments including a semi-final last year in Paris.
Earlier in the season, the Russian arrived at Indian Wells in the United States with the crown from the Dubai Open – one of the most coveted on the circuit.
In the Californian desert, she outwitted the world number two and number one – Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka respectively – to add that title to her burgeoning trophy cabinet.
Rise up rankings
While Andreeva was cutting a swathe through the draws in the elite competitions on the senior tour, Boisson was toiling away in third tier tournaments as she sought fitness and form after a cruciate ligament injury in her left knee that deprived her of a chance to feature at last year's French Open.
Her surge to the semis at the French Open will propel her 300 places up the WTA rankings.
"When I started playing tennis, I was quite nervous on the court," Boisson revealed.
"I was very emotional, too emotional and it was undermining my game. I eventually understood that I wouldn't go far if I continued this way.
"When I sustained my injury, I had some time to think things over and it's helping me now to handle my emotions."
Andreeva conceded she had wilted under the barracking from the partisan crowd. Gauff said she would be prepared for the challenge.
"Either, A, just pretend they're cheering for you, and B, just use it and not let that get to you," said the 21-year-old American who is attempting to reach the final for the second time.
"I have been in crowds where they are 99 percent for me, so I don't have an issue with it.
"I hope everyone will be respectful. If not, it's cool. It makes sports exciting, and I can't get irritated at the fact that someone is rooting for their hometown hero, because I would do the same."
