French wildcard Loïs Boisson has emerged as a notable contender in her first French Open appearance, advancing to the semifinals where she will face the No. 2 ranked player, Coco Gauff. Boisson’s progression was highlighted by her victory over Mirra Andreeva, marking her as the first Frenchwoman to reach the Roland Garros last four since Marion Bartoli in 2011.
Prior to her quarterfinal success, Boisson trained alongside Men’s World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who expressed admiration for her style and composure during a press conference following his own semifinal qualification.
Jannik Sinner Commends Loïs Boisson’s Performance and Mindset After Practice Session
Jannik Sinner is also enjoying a strong French Open campaign, having secured his semifinal spot with a commanding 6-1, 7-5, 6-0 win over Alexander Bublik. Earlier on that day, Sinner and Boisson practiced together, during which Sinner noted her ability to handle his backhand shots with ease.
Reflecting on their practice session during his post-match interview, Sinner praised Boisson’s calm presence on court and resilience, especially considering her recent knee surgery.
It’s amazing no?. I think that’s exactly what France needs. Something very new, very special. Great mentality, I think she is someone who’s quite calm on the court. At least she seems like it, and she had a knee surgery not long ago. So even that gives her some great confidence, hopefully for her future. We actually were in the same centre for a little while back in the days, and we practiced sometimes together even there, so I know her it’s already time ago.
—Jannik Sinner, Men’s World No. 1
Sinner also recalled their previous interactions before the tournament, noting her joy at playing in her home Grand Slam with a wildcard entry. He complimented her consistent clay-court style, especially her heavy topspin forehand, factors that have contributed to her successful run.
I saw her before the tournament in the Gym, yeah so we talked a little bit how things are and she was very happy. You know having a wildcard here it’s special tournament for her. Being French and I think the level she produces it’s amazing. Very consistent, very clay court style, with a forehand, a lot of top spin. Today it was raining so I called here the desk, if there was some free spot because I don’t want to risk to go on court without warming up,
he added.
Sinner Offers Encouragement to Boisson Ahead of Her Semifinal Against Coco Gauff
Jannik Sinner highlighted Boisson’s physical strength during their training and wished her well as she prepares to face Coco Gauff in the semifinal.
So we arrived here quite early and um, yeah she said straight away Yes and we just hit some balls and it was a very consistent warm-up, for a different game style for a woman, because the ball is quite high and then quite spinny, physically very strong. So, she deserves to be in the position where she is right now and wish her all the best for the future,
Sinner said.
Boisson will approach the semifinal with her own tactics, yet facing Gauff presents a tough challenge. Gauff, a seasoned competitor with four Grand Slam semifinal appearances and three specifically at Roland Garros, boasts considerable clay-court credentials this season, having finished runner-up in both Madrid and Rome.
The American, who won the US Open in 2023, currently holds a 29-8 win-loss record and will aim to extend it with a victory over Boisson. Meanwhile, the young Frenchwoman seeks her inaugural Grand Slam semifinal win and hopes to build momentum for future tournaments.
The winner of this intense semifinal will advance to the final on Saturday to compete against either top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka or the defending champion Iga Świątek, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.