From our special correspondent at Roland-Garros,
Some might have mistaken it for misplaced ego or even arrogance . This sentiment came from a player ranked beyond 360th place in the WTA rankings. “I know that I have the level, at least in practice, against all the girls here,” explained Loïs Boisson after qualifying for the third round at Roland-Garros. “The challenge is implementing what I can do in practice during matches. So far, it’s working well, and I hope it continues.”
And it has continued. Victorious in her 100% French duel against Elsa Jacquemot, the player from Dijon is set to face American Jessica Pegula, World No. 3, this Monday on the Philippe-Chatrier court. Not bad for a wildcard player competing in her first Grand Slam tournament. “For me, it’s not a surprise,” asserts Julie Pecastaing, captain of the TC Nice Giordan team where Loïs Boisson plays. “It’s surprising due to her ranking, which was affected by her injury in 2024.”
“Routines” to Feel Physically Good
Let’s take a step back. Last year, just before the start of the French Open, Boisson, ranked around 150th , was on fire, boasting an exceptional record of *twenty-three wins to one loss* on clay. This earned her an invitation to Roland-Garros and an opportunity to experience the Parisian red clay. But then came the ACL injury , shattering her dreams and relegating her to the struggle of recovery.
Loïs Boisson (22 years old) has a complicated relationship with injuries, as her ascent in the sport was hampered by several setbacks in 2021 and 2022 . This forced her to focus heavily on her physical fitness , as she explained last year: “For a year, I did nothing but physical training, which has led to significant progress. I have the necessary routines to feel good physically and avoid silly injuries .”
Unfortunately, this did not stop her from tearing her ACL in her left knee in May 2024 . However, resilient as ever, Loïs came back stronger . “What surprised me the most was seeing how quickly she returned after her injury,” says Diane Parry. “It’s never easy. It’s a significant injury, and recovery can take time. I quickly saw her performing at a very high level physically.”
Same Level of Play as Before the Injury
After a long injury layoff, this is often the prevailing question: would Boisson retain her skill level? Everyone was convinced she would maintain her tennis prowess . “She returned to competition a few months ago, and to have her current physical level is very impressive,” adds Julie Pecastaing. “Her game before the injury was top-notch, and I find it still is.”
In the realm of French women’s tennis , the physicality of the Dijon player is noteworthy since the retirement of Amélie Mauresmo. Boisson has an impressive upper body strength and athleticism below, reminiscent of Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova. This physique allows her to execute a game based on power .
“I trained in the south before kicking off the clay season with her,” Diane Parry elaborates. “When facing her, you can feel the quality of shots she possesses. It’s rare for female players to generate that much topspin and have such quality in their shots.” “She plays exceptionally well and has incredible hitting power,” notes the captain of TC Nice Giordan. “She has great footwork and is incredibly complete. I believe her ranking does not reflect her true playing level.”
A Pain, But No Worries
Julie Pecastaing believes that her protégé can swiftly break into the top 50 . For now, while awaiting her potential quarterfinal showdown in Roland-Garros, Loïs Boisson’s ranking might return to 170th in the WTA, nearly the same standing as last year. Here’s hoping injuries leave her alone for good. At the end of the first set in the third round, there were concerns when she complained about her left knee, the very same knee that had undergone surgery a year earlier.
“I just have a small pain in my knee, but I know how to handle it,” reassured the Dijon player. “It took some time to subside during the match, but ultimately, it passed. It’s a pain I’m familiar with, and I know how to manage it. There won’t be any special examinations before the next round.” The only examination that counts now is the one against Jessica Pegula, and it promises to be quite the challenge.