Underdog Lois Boisson is savoring a moment of success at her first Grand Slam tournament, having achieved what`s being called the upset of the year.
The French player, ranked world No. 361, fought back from a set down to defeat third seed and US Open finalist Jessica Pegula, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. The match on Court Philippe-Chatrier lasted two hours and 40 minutes.
This young player is the first French female wildcard to reach the quarter-finals at Roland Garros since former champion Mary Pierce did so in 2002.
Boisson, who has captured the support of her home nation, became widely known in April after Britain`s Harriet Dart reportedly complained that Boisson “smelled” during a smaller event match.
However, it is Boisson who is having the last laugh. Her impressive run has earned her £370,000 in prize money, a stark contrast to her total career earnings of just £16,000 from WTA Tour events before this tournament. This significant sum is certainly enough to afford plenty of deodorant.
The 22-year-old Boisson commented on her success, “It’s really amazing for me to do this. I’m so proud of me and of my team. I hope to win more matches here.”
“I would not believe that if you told me this two weeks ago. But I trust in myself,” she added.
She expressed gratitude to the French Tennis Federation, stating, “I really want to thank the French Tennis Federation because without this wildcard, I cannot play this tournament. I take my chance – and I will go further. I will try to do my best.”
Describing the atmosphere on the main court, she said, “In the beginning, even though there weren’t many fans, you can still hear them on centre court. But for the third set, it was full. It was incredible.”
Boisson views her quarter-final appearance as progress towards her aspirations: “Roland Garros is a dream and it’s a goal, so being in the quarter-finals is already a step ahead.”
Boisson`s fairytale continues as she prepares to face Russian sixth seed Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals. Andreeva secured her spot with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over the last remaining Australian player, Daria Kasatkina.
In other fourth-round matches, Coco Gauff and Madison Keys both won in straight sets, setting up an all-American quarter-final tie.
