Coco Gauff has secured her spot in the French Open final, defeating French wildcard Lois Boisson with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory in their semifinal match at Roland-Garros. This result brings an end to Boisson`s remarkable and unexpected run in the tournament.
Gauff, who is seeking her second career Grand Slam title, will face the current World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, in the final showdown on Saturday. Sabalenka earned her place by overcoming four-time champion Iga Swiatek in the other semifinal, thus ending Swiatek`s impressive streak of 26 consecutive wins at the French Open, dating back to 2021.
In a highly anticipated clash between the top two players on the WTA tour – their first meeting at a Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open final – Sabalenka triumphed in a back-and-forth three-set battle, with the final score reading 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-0.
Boisson`s Fairytale Journey Concludes Against Gauff
Lois Boisson, ranked 361st globally and competing in her debut Grand Slam, enjoyed a truly memorable run at Roland-Garros. However, the semifinal stage against world No. 2 Coco Gauff proved to be her limit.
At 22 years old, Boisson made history as the lowest-ranked semi-finalist at Roland-Garros in four decades, and the lowest quarter-finalist at any Grand Slam since 2017. Her journey to the final four included notable upsets over seed Elise Mertens, world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, and last year`s semi-finalist Mirra Andreeva.
Despite the partisan crowd supporting the French favourite, reigning US Open champion Gauff delivered a calm and confident performance, securing a dominant straight-sets win and dropping only three games in total. Gauff`s efficiency quieted the home crowd, preventing them from rallying behind their first female semi-finalist in Paris since Marion Bartoli in 2011.
Gauff took control from the start, breaking Boisson`s serve twice early in the first set and successfully fighting off three break points before comfortably taking the set 6-1. Boisson managed to break back in the second set after losing her serve, briefly offering a glimmer of hope for a comeback. However, Gauff immediately responded by winning the next three games decisively, dropping only a single point, to seal her victory and reach her second French Open final, following her first appearance in 2022.
Gauff finished as runner-up to Swiatek in that 2022 final, but went on to win her home Grand Slam at the US Open the following year, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
“I knew [a strong start] was important today,” Gauff commented after her win. “Lois is obviously an incredible player… she definitely proved she is one of the best players in the world – especially on clay – and I’m sure we’ll have many more battles in the future.” Addressing the French spectators, she added: “This is my first time playing a French player here. I was mentally prepared that it was to be 99 per cent for her so I was trying to block it out. When you were saying her name, I was saying my name to myself just to psyche myself.”
While her Grand Slam debut has concluded, Boisson`s exceptional performance has significantly impacted her career, with her earnings from the tournament estimated around £580,000 and her ranking projected to climb substantially to 65th in the world.
“Today it was quite simply too tough for me,” Boisson said in her post-match press conference. “I couldn’t manage to get my game going but, apart from today’s match, the tournament as a whole was very positive.”
Sabalenka Dethrones Swiatek in Blockbuster Semifinal
Aryna Sabalenka ended Iga Swiatek`s dominant reign on clay, defeating the world No. 1 to reach her inaugural French Open final. Sabalenka, who holds three Grand Slam titles on hard courts, prevented Swiatek from becoming the first woman in the Open Era to win four consecutive titles in Paris.
Sabalenka`s powerful hitting immediately put pressure on the Pole, leading to an early 3-0 lead with two breaks of serve. Sabalenka nearly extended her lead to 5-1 with what she thought was an ace, but a let call gave Swiatek an opening. Swiatek seized the opportunity, winning four straight games to level the first set at 4-4 and then taking a 5-4 lead after a double-fault from Sabalenka.
However, Sabalenka demonstrated resilience, regrouping effectively to force a tie-breaker, which she dominated, losing only a single point to claim the first set.
The second set saw continued difficulties on serve for both players, resulting in three consecutive breaks to start. Swiatek eventually found her rhythm on serve to level the match by winning the second set.
In the decisive third set, Sabalenka significantly raised her game and intensity. She delivered a punishing “bagel” set, winning it 6-0, as the five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek appeared to run out of steam, managing to win only six points in the entire set.
This defeat marks a challenging period for Swiatek, who has not reached a tournament final since her victory in Paris 12 months ago.
“I mean, 6-love,” Sabalenka commented on her third set performance. “It could not be more perfect than that. Honestly, it feels incredible but I understand the job is not done yet. I`m just thrilled today with this win and the atmosphere in the stadium. She [Swiatek] is the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland-Garros. It was a tough match it was a tricky match but I managed and I`m super proud right now.”
Expert Analysis: Henman Praises Finalists` Performances
Analyzing the semifinal matches, former British No. 1 Tim Henman described Sabalenka`s third set against Swiatek as an “absolute demolition job,” calling the 6-0 scoreline a “staggering outcome” given Swiatek`s usual dominance on clay, particularly on her favourite court in a Grand Slam semifinal. He praised Sabalenka`s powerful “ball-striking and the way she was just able to dominate proceedings.”
Regarding Gauff`s victory, Henman commented that she was “brilliant in every department,” highlighting her solid and consistent game plan and her mental fortitude in managing the partisan crowd. He called her performance a “perfect performance” to reach the final.
Henman also reflected on Boisson`s impactful tournament, stating that she will “look back on the last two weeks in Paris, what she has achieved, and just how that is going to change her life.” He noted her significant ranking rise to 65th and the new opportunities that will become available to her.
