Surprising upset at Roland Garros: Unseeded player rockets 300 spots in world rankings

In a stunning turn of events at this year’s Roland Garros, French tennis player Lois Boisson emerged as the breakout star on the Paris clay, captivating fans and analysts alike with her remarkable journey.

The 22-year-old Boisson, who gained entry into the women’s draw courtesy of a wildcard from the tournament organizers, made an indelible mark on the competition. Ranked 361st in the WTA standings at the tournament’s outset, her remarkable run to the semifinals is projected to elevate her to 65th in the world, an incredible leap that reflects her impressive performances.

Boisson’s achievement marks a significant milestone in French tennis history, as she became the first Frenchwoman to reach the French Open semifinals since Marion Bartoli achieved the feat in 2011. In a series of electrifying matches, she toppled top-ranked opponents, including world No. 3 Jessica Pegula and world No. 6 Mirra Andreeva. Ultimately, her inspired run concluded in the semifinals against American star Coco Gauff, who holds the No. 2 spot in her national rankings.

Boisson’s unexpected ascent at Roland Garros has injected a renewed sense of excitement and promise into French tennis, with fans eagerly anticipating her future endeavors on the global stage.

Coco Gauff talked about facing French rising star in the French Open

American tennis sensation Coco Gauff shared her insights after advancing to the finals of the French Open, following a hard-fought victory against a rising French star in the semifinals. Despite the intense support for her opponent from the home crowd, Gauff remained focused and determined throughout the match.

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“This was the first time I played against a French player at Roland Garros,” Gauff reflected. “I was mentally prepared for the situation, and I tuned out the crowd. When they were chanting her name, I was internally repeating my own. She was a formidable opponent, and it was a tough match. But now, I’m fully focused on the challenges ahead,” Gauff stated confidently.

Career highlights of France’s Boisson

Though yet to deliver a standout performance at a Grand Slam, Boisson has demonstrated impressive resilience throughout her career, particularly following a significant injury last year. Despite these setbacks, the French player remains committed and looks forward to achieving new milestones on the professional circuit.

• Overall Career (Singles):
  • Career Record: 133 wins – 79 losses (as of June 5, 2025)
  • Career Titles: 1 WTA 125 title and 6 ITF Circuit titles.
  • Prize Money: US $148,009 (as of June 5, 2025 – this amount is significantly less than what she’s earned in 2025 Roland Garros alone)
  • Highest WTA Ranking: No. 152 (achieved on May 6, 2024)
  • Current WTA Ranking (as of May 26, 2025): No. 361. (Note: Her ranking significantly jumped after her 2025 French Open performance, projected to be around No. 65).
• ITF Circuit Titles (Singles):
  • 6 Titles:
  • September 2022: ITF Dijon, France (W15, Clay)
  • March 2023: ITF Le Havre, France (W15, Clay)
  • March 2024: ITF Alaminos, Cyprus (W35, Clay)
  • March 2024: ITF Terrassa, Spain (W35, Clay)
  • March 2024: Bellinzona Ladies Open, Switzerland (W75, Clay)
  • May 2025: Open Saint-Gaudens Occitanie, France (W75, Clay)
• 2025 Season highlights (prior to French Open):
  • Won a W75 ITF title in Saint-Gaudens.
  • Reached the final of a W35 ITF event in Terrassa.
  • Reached the semifinals of a W75 ITF in Bellinzona.
• Return from injury:
  • Boisson suffered an ACL injury in May 2024, which forced her to miss nine months, including what would have been her main draw debut at the 2024 French Open. Her strong performance in 2025, especially at Roland Garros, marks a significant comeback.