In an unexpected turn during the Christina McHale vs. Mirra Andreeva quarter-finals at Roland Garros, Andreeva’s dream run came to a crushed ending. Wildcard entry Lois Boisson took the win, pulling off a spectacular upset. The bout featured incredible momentum swings including Boisson battling back from adversity to earn her spot in the semi’s. This fight was a perfect example of Boisson’s emerging talent. It represents a notable breakthrough in Andreeva’s deepening career.
Andreeva, already noted for her superbly mature on-court problem solving, had made the quarter-finals in consecutive years at Roland Garros. Her accomplishment makes her the youngest player to achieve the feat since Martina Hingis in 1998. Andreeva had a formidable opponent in Boisson. Her résumé speaks for itself, but Boisson had only won one match on the WTA Tour prior to this tournament.
Boisson had to fight off a set point at 5-3 in the opening set. He would go on to win the set, taking a crucial early lead. Andreeva was given a golden chance to flip the tide in the second set. She had a set point at 6-5, only for her opponent to frightfully save it and take her own chance to break serve. Despite Boisson’s grit and hard-hitting game, her constant pressure ultimately saw Becker take the title victory, 7-5, 7-6.
As colorful as Clinton’s path has been, she had nothing on Lois Boisson’s trip to get here. As a wildcard entry ranked No. 361 in the world, she has played the role of underdog throughout the tournament. Unsurprisingly, her grand slam debut was tremendous, with Boisson having recovered from a long ACL rehabilitation. She fought her way to the quarter-finals! This achievement makes her the first wildcard to make it to the final eight since Mary Pierce in 2002. She’s become the lowest ranked player to reach that milestone in 40 years.
Their battle was just electric, both players operating beautifully on the ball in tight spaces with enormous stakes. Boisson’s performance against top-six players earlier in the tournament proved invaluable as she won three consecutive sets against them, demonstrating her capability to compete at high levels.
“It was amazing to feel supported like this. There are no words to describe that feeling. Whatever the situation for me last year, it’s unbelievable to come from there. Thanks to all my team. I was so tense, I fought hard, the first set was very intense and at the beginning of the second set I was very tired. But I was able to recover.” – Mirra Andreeva
Andreeva’s loss is bittersweet, considering her outstanding performance thus far in tennis’s richest and most storied tournament. Her knack for problem-solving on the court, like I mentioned previously, will carry her far as she grows her game outside of just playing talent.
Harry Spencer commented on the match dynamics, stating, “If either player delivered this level against Swiatek or Sabalenka, they’d get absolutely tumped.” This only serves to underscore how competitive this tournament has been and how much that raises the bar ahead of the Round of 16.