Coco Gauff ended world No. 361 Lois Boisson’s fairytale run with a commanding 6-1 6-2 victory in the Roland Garros semifinals.
Playing her first-ever Grand Slam, Boisson remained composed under pressure, but the world No. 2 proved far too powerful for the French underdog. Gauff broke serve three times to cruise through the first set, with Boisson getting on the board only after 26 minutes of play.
Boisson briefly sparked excitement by breaking Gauff midway through the second set, but she couldn’t hold onto the momentum. Gauff quickly regained control and secured her return to the Roland Garros final, where she was runner-up in 2022.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Boisson should leave Paris with her head held high. Just one year ago, she was days away from making her Roland Garros debut as a wildcard when she suffered a devastating ACL tear. Instead of walking onto court, she found herself in a hospital bed, beginning a nine-month recovery.
Now, she’s not only recovered, she’s transformed her career. Prior to this breakout tournament, Boisson had earned $148,000 in total prize money. Her stunning run in Paris will net her approximately $789,000!
Gauff’s opponent in the final will be Aryna Sabalenka, who dethroned reigning champion Iga Swiatek in a gripping semifinal clash earlier on Thursday. The upcoming showdown promises fireworks, as Gauff and Sabalenka are dead even in their head-to-head, locked at 5-5. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, won their most recent encounter on clay in the final of the Madrid Open last month.