The Times of India at Roland Garros: The roof on Philippe Chatrier was closed, the stadium was packed to its near 15,000-capacity. The fans were loud, chanting ‘Lois, Lois, Lois’ like it were a prayer, lifting Lois Boisson when she trailed, helping her stay the course and finally pushing her over the finish line after a little over two-hours.
The crowd was always going to be a factor in this French Open last-eight clash.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Mirra Andreeva, 18, the sixth-seed, was up against the world No. 361 Boisson and a full house that refused to settle down, not even between serves. They whistled, they booed, they cheered, most of the time it was over-thetop. The Russian led in both sets, 3-1 and 5-3 in the first, and even had two set points.
In the second set she jumped to a 3-0 lead, but struggled with the boisterous crowd that came alive to her every error.
That Andreeva may have played herself out of the tournament is only part of the story, the other half is the inspiring run of the wildcard entrant Boisson. The 22-year-old fought back, showcasing her whiplash fore - hand, slamming 11 winners of that flank, as she reeled off six straight games to clinch a memorable 7-6 (6), 6-2 win.
“I love to play with the crowd. I love to hear my name when I win a point. For me it’s a plus, not pressure. It’s also really difficult for players from other countries,” Boisson said. “I ex - pected it,” Andreeva said of the behaviour of the home fans. “The first set I managed it pretty well. I didn’t really pay attention to that, but obviously with nerves and with pressure, it became a little harder.”
Boisson, who played in the qualifying draw here in 2021, 2022 and 2023, debuted in the main draw this year and became the first French semifinalist at Roland Garros since Marion Bartoli in 2011. She’s also the first wild card to do it in the Open era. Her win over An - dreeva is her second top-10 win, she clocked the first against the world No.3 Jessica Peg - ula in the fourth-round. Boisson underlined that her charge here was the result of the hard work she has put in over the years.
“My dream is to win it, not to be in the semifinal,” Boisson said. In the semifinals on Thursday, she plays American Coco Gauff, the world No.2, who beat compatriot Madison Keys 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-1.
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