Few names had surfaced with less fanfare entering Roland-Garros 2025 than Loïs Boisson. A native of Lyon and ranked 361st in the world, Boisson was virtually unknown outside French tennis circles. Yet in a dazzling turn of events, the 22-year-old wildcard has captured national attention and sent shockwaves through the women’s draw at the year’s second Grand Slam.
After stunning Elise Mertens—ranked 22nd globally and a former semifinalist at the Australian Open—in her main draw Grand Slam debut, Boisson backed it up with an emphatic 6-1, 6-2 win over Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina. That victory, achieved in just over an hour on Thursday, propelled her into the third round and ensured at least one Frenchwoman will feature among the final 32 in Paris.
Kalinina vs Boisson – Match Stats
| Stat | Kalinina | Boisson |
|---|---|---|
| Dominance Ratio | 0.40 | 2.52 |
| Winners | 12 | 30 |
| Unforced Errors | 19 | 9 |
| Serve Rating | 188 | 328 |
| Aces | 0 | 3 |
| Double Faults | 1 | 1 |
| 1st Serve % | 70% (33/47) | 78% (32/41) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 55% (18/33) | 81% (26/32) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 21% (3/14) | 67% (6/9) |
| Break Points Saved | 20% (1/5) | – |
| Service Games | 43% (3/7) | 100% (8/8) |
| Ace % | 0% | 7.3% |
| Double Fault % | 2.1% | 2.4% |
| Return Rating | 52 | 261 |
| 1st Return Points Won | 19% (6/32) | 45% (15/33) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 33% (3/9) | 79% (11/14) |
| Break Points Won | – | 80% (4/5) |
| Return Games | 0% (0/8) | 57% (4/7) |
| Pressure Points | 20% (1/5) | 80% (4/5) |
| Service Points | 45% (21/47) | 78% (32/41) |
| Return Points | 22% (9/41) | 55% (26/47) |
| Net Points | 75% (12/16) | 50% (3/6) |
| Total Points | 34% (30/88) | 66% (58/88) |
| Match Points Saved | 1 | 0 |
| Max Points In A Row | 3 | 9 |
| Service Games Won | 43% (3/7) | 100% (8/8) |
| Return Games Won | 0% (0/8) | 57% (4/7) |
| Total Games | 20% (3/15) | 80% (12/15) |
| Max Games In A Row | 1 | 5 |
| Injury Timeouts | 0 | 0 |
| Match Duration | 1h 03m |
From Wildcard to Major Threat
Loïs Boisson’s success at Roland-Garros is nothing short of extraordinary. A product of France’s national training system and long considered a solid prospect, she had spent most of her early career competing on the ITF circuit. Her 2024 season, however, was derailed by a serious knee injury that sidelined her for months. She entered this tournament with no expectations and minimal match play.
Yet her fearless shot-making, composed demeanor, and powerful forehand have proven too much even for seasoned professionals. Against Kalinina, currently ranked inside the top 120, Boisson looked entirely in command—dictating play from the baseline and rarely allowing her opponent to settle into rallies.
A Star in the Making?
At just 22 years old, Boisson is among the youngest French players to reach the third round at Roland-Garros in recent years. Her breakthrough evokes memories of past homegrown talents like Kristina Mladenovic and Caroline Garcia, both of whom made early runs at the Paris Slam before establishing themselves on the WTA Tour.
The immediate reward for Boisson? A guaranteed surge in the WTA rankings—likely jumping over 100 places. But perhaps more importantly, she’s captured the imagination of the French crowd, who have rallied behind her underdog story with full voice.
Her next challenge will be a clash against either big-serving American Alycia Parks or fellow Frenchwoman Elsa Jacquemot, a former junior champion in Paris. Regardless of the outcome, Loïs Boisson has already cemented her name among the feel-good stories of the 2025 tennis season—and may yet extend the fairy tale.