French player Loïs Boisson stuns at Roland-Garros first round

PARIS, France — Loïs Boisson, a 22-year-old French tennis player, surprised spectators at Roland-Garros on Tuesday by eliminating Belgian Elise Mertens, the 22nd ranked player in the world. This victory came in a thrilling three-set match that showcased the intense atmosphere of Court No. 14.

Boisson, ranked 361st globally and granted a wild card entry, expressed her excitement after the match. “It’s the first time in my career that I’ve played in such an atmosphere,” she said. “It put some pressure on me at the beginning, but then I was able to use it. This victory has a different taste.”

The win marks a significant achievement for Boisson, who faced major challenges over the past year. Just days before her expected debut at Roland-Garros last year, she suffered a torn ligament in her left knee, sidelining her from competition until February.

Earlier this year, during the WTA 250 tournament in Rouen, she also found herself at the center of an awkward incident that sparked controversy when her opponent, Harriet Dart, made an inappropriate comment about her hygiene. The situation went viral on social media, but Boisson handled it with humor, posting on Instagram with a deodorant and jokingly seeking a partnership with the brand.

Now, with her resilience and growing popularity, Boisson is becoming a fan favorite this year at Roland-Garros. Her next match is set for Thursday against Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine, ranked 113th, in Court No. 7, which is expected to fill quickly with eager fans.