Two different players, one shared ambition. Marie Bouzkova, the composed Czech counterpuncher, and Loïs Boisson, France’s fearless new face, both ended 2025 at crossroads — steady progress shadowed by missed opportunities. As the WTA off-season reshuffles its pieces, both women have looked south for inspiration, turning to two Spanish tacticians renowned for their blend of intensity and calm.
Bouzkova will work with Olympic gold medallist Marc Lopez, once Rafael Nadal’s trusted doubles partner. Boisson, meanwhile, has brought in Carlos Martínez, the coach who once guided Svetlana Kuznetsova and Feliciano López. Two distinct careers, two Spanish minds — and one shared pursuit of balance between fire and finesse.
Bouzkova Turns to Marc Lopez for a Fresh Spark
Marie Bouzkova has never been one for drama — her game speaks in whispers, not shouts. But her latest move makes a statement. The world No. 42, fresh off her second career title in Prague, has hired Marc Lopez to steer her next chapter.
Lopez, the doubles gold medallist from Rio 2016 and a longtime member of Rafael Nadal’s coaching circle, is stepping deeper into WTA territory. After a successful spell with Jasmine Paolini — highlighted by the Italian’s Rome triumph — he now joins forces with the 27-year-old Czech in search of renewed consistency and aggression.
Bouzkova’s year had its flashes: the Prague Open title, a handful of solid Slam showings, but also stretches of hesitation. Her best ranking, No. 24, came back in 2022, when she reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals. Since then, she’s been chasing that same clarity under pressure.
Lopez’s presence could be exactly the stabilising influence she needs. Known for his tactical precision and quiet authority, he brings an understanding of rhythm, composure, and momentum — the subtler parts of the game Bouzkova thrives on. The goal is simple: to rebuild the bite behind her control.
Boisson Bets on Martínez to Build a French Future
Lois Boisson’s story feels like the beginning of something far more combustible. Just 21 and already a Roland Garros semifinalist, the Frenchwoman’s rise in 2025 was one of the year’s brightest surprises. Her breakthrough season — including a first WTA title in Hamburg — confirmed her as France’s new No. 1 and a genuine next-gen contender.
To take the next step, Boisson has turned to a man who’s shaped champions before her. Carlos Martínez, the veteran Spanish coach known for his work with Feliciano López, Svetlana Kuznetsova and even Simona Halep, joined her team late in 2025 after a trial run on the Asian hard courts.
Boisson’s split from longtime coach Florian Reynet after the US Open was more evolution than rupture — the sign of a player ready for new structure, not a new identity. Martínez, revered for his blend of emotional steadiness and technical discipline, could offer exactly that.
She begins 2026 with her United Cup debut, leading France alongside Arthur Rinderknech. Drawn into a tough group with Italy and Switzerland, Boisson will get an early test of her new partnership. But with Martínez in her corner, there’s quiet confidence that her fearless shot-making will soon be matched by the maturity of a true tour mainstay.
Two paths, one philosophy. Bouzkova and Boisson have both looked to Spain for guidance — chasing that rare combination of artistry and control that defines the best of modern tennis. The next season will tell whether they’ve found it.