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Lois Boisson has high-profile practice partner helping fairytale French Open run
Reach Daily Express | June 5, 2025 6:39 AM CST

Before this year's French Open, Lois Boisson was a relatively unknown name in the tennis world. The 22-year-old unfortunately hit headlines when British star during a match in Rouen, but wasn't as recognised for her tennis. But the world No. 361 has long been on the radar of one top player.

Ahead of win over on Wednesday, the French wildcard hit with ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner. And the Italian has been keeping tabs on Boisson's progress, as he revealed they previously trained together at the same facility.

Boisson is playing her first-ever Grand Slam tournament and she's certainly made a statement on her debut, in Andreeva and to reach the last four.

Ranked at No. 361, the Frenchwoman was set to compete at Roland Garros as a wildcard last year but was forced to skip the tournament when she tore her ACL a week out. She only returned to competition this year, and she's now a Grand Slam semi-finalist.

The 22-year-old has been the talk of the town in Paris, and even three-time Major winner Sinner is keeping note after being left impressed by his practice sessions with Boisson.

"Yeah, it's amazing, no? I think that's exactly what France needs, you know, something very new, very special, great mentality. I think she's someone who is quite calm on the court, at least she seems like it," he said of Boisson and her run.

"She had knee surgery not long ago, so even that, you know, gives her some great confidence hopefully for her future.

"We actually were in the same center for a little while back in the days, and we practiced, you know, sometimes together even there. So I know her. It's now already a time ago.

"I saw her before the tournament in the gym in Jean Bouin. We talked a little bit how things are, and she was very happy. Having a wildcard here, it's a special tournament for her, being French."

Sinner and Boisson got to hit together again on Wednesday morning under the roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier ahead of their respective quarter-final matches. And the world No. 1 liked what he saw.

He continued: "Yeah, I think the level she produces is amazing, no? Very consistent. Very clay court style, you know, with the forehand, a lot of topspin.

"Today it was raining, so I called here, the desk, you know, if there was some free spot, because I don't want to risk to go on court without warming up. So we arrived here quite early.

"Yeah, she said straightaway yes, and we hit some balls. It was a very consistent warmup for a different game style for a woman, because the ball is quite high and quite spinny.

"Physically very strong. She deserves to be in the position where she is right now, and we wish her all the best for the future."

Boisson has made an impression on everyone she's played this fortnight. World No. 3 Pegula said the wildcard hit "hard and heavy" and was a good mover, while Andreeva lauded her serve and forehand.

And the world No. 361 will be hoping to bring it to second seed and 2022 finalist Coco Gauff when they meet on Thursday.


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