French wildcard Loïs Boisson has made a lasting impact in her debut French Open campaign. She reached the semifinals, where she will face World No. 2 Coco Gauff. She defeated a strong opponent in Mirra Andreeva to become the first Frenchwoman to reach the last four at Roland Garros since Marion Bartoli in 2011.
Before making a statement against Andreeva in their quarterfinal match on Wednesday, the rising star had the opportunity to train with Men’s World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The Italian was notably impressed by her playing style and reflected on his experience during his press conference.
Jannik Sinner Hails Loïs Boisson’s Game After Sparring as French Open SF vs. Coco Gauff Looms
Like Boisson, Sinner is enjoying a strong run in Paris. He reached the semifinals after a convincing 6-1, 7-5, 6-0 victory over Alexander Bublik on Wednesday. Earlier that day, the three-time Major champion was also seen practising with Boisson, who responded to his backhands with ease.
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During his post-match press conference, Sinner was asked to reflect on practicing with Boisson earlier that day. The 23-year-old spoke highly of the French player’s on-court demeanor, saying:
“It’s amazing no?. I think that’s exactly what France needs. Something very new, very special. Great mentality, I think she is someone who’s quite calm on the court. At least she seems like it, and she had a knee surgery not long ago. So even that gives her some great confidence, hopefully for her future. We actually were in the same centre for a little while back in the days, and we practiced sometimes together even there, so I know her it’s already time ago.”
Sinner recalled his brief conversation with the Frenchwoman and later praised her playing style and her ability to generate top spins through her forehand.
“I saw her before the tournament in the Gym, yeah so we talked a little bit how things are and she was very happy. You know having a wildcard here it’s special tournament for her. Being French and I think the level she produces it’s amazing. Very consistent, very clay court style, with a forehand, a lot of top spin. Today it was raining so I called here the desk, if there was some free spot because I don’t want to risk to go on court without warming up,” he added.
Jannik Sinner Sends Best Wishes to Loïs Boisson Ahead of Her French Open Semifinal Clash with Coco Gauff
Sinner spoke highly of Boisson’s game, calling her a physically strong player and later extending his best wishes for her journey ahead.
“So we arrived here quite early and um, yeah she said straight away Yes and we just hit some balls and it was a very consistent warm-up, for a different game style for a woman, because the ball is quite high and then quite spinny, physically very strong. So, she deserves to be in the position where she is right now and wish her all the best for the future,” he said.
The French wildcard enters the semifinal with a game plan of her own, but overcoming Gauff would be a challenge. The American is no stranger to this stage, with four Grand Slam semifinal appearances—three at Roland Garros alone. The 21-year-old has also been in exceptional form on clay this season, finishing as runner-up in both Madrid and Rome. Gauff would also aim to improve her 29-8 win-loss record with a win over Boisson on Thursday.
While the Frenchwoman aims for her first Grand Slam win at the 2025 French Open, Gauff vies for her second, following her 2023 US Open triumph. Whoever prevails will face the top seed Aryna Sabalenka or defending champion Iga Świątek in the final on Saturday.
