PARIS — Coco Gauff’s remarkable run at the 2024 French Open continued as she secured her place in the final with a hard-fought victory over unseeded Frenchwoman Lois Boisson. The 20-year-old American, now a Grand Slam champion after her 2023 US Open triumph, showcased her maturity and resilience, ending Boisson’s fairytale journey in front of a passionate home crowd.
Gauff, the No. 3 seed, prevailed 6-4, 7-6(5) in a tense semifinal match that tested both players’ mental and physical endurance. After the match, Gauff offered heartfelt advice to her 21-year-old opponent, who had captured the hearts of Roland Garros fans with her underdog story. "Lois played an incredible tournament, and she has so much potential," Gauff said. "I told her to keep believing in herself because she’s going to do great things."
Gauff’s Road to the Final
Gauff’s path to her first French Open final has been a testament to her growth as a player. After a shaky start in the early rounds, she found her rhythm, dispatching former champion Iga Świątek in a thrilling quarterfinal. Her ability to adapt to the clay surface—once considered her weakest—has silenced critics and solidified her status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Key factors in Gauff’s success:
- Improved consistency on her forehand, long seen as a vulnerability
- Exceptional movement and defensive skills on clay
- Mental toughness in high-pressure moments, a trait honed under coach Brad Gilbert
Boisson’s Breakthrough Run
Lois Boisson, ranked No. 127 entering the tournament, became the first Frenchwoman in over a decade to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros. Her fearless play and charismatic personality made her an instant fan favorite. Boisson’s run included upsets over two top-20 players, including a stunning straight-sets victory over No. 7 seed Ons Jabeur.
Despite the loss, Boisson remained optimistic: "This has been the best two weeks of my life. I proved to myself that I belong at this level. Coco was so kind after the match—she told me this is just the beginning for me."
The Turning Point
The match’s pivotal moment came in the second-set tiebreak, where Gauff saved two set points before closing out the victory. Boisson’s aggressive play pushed Gauff to her limits, but the American’s experience in big matches ultimately made the difference. "I knew I had to stay calm and trust my game," Gauff said. "Lois was playing unbelievable tennis, but I just focused on one point at a time."
Gauff’s Advice to Rising Stars
In her post-match press conference, Gauff emphasized the importance of patience and self-belief for young players like Boisson. "It’s easy to get frustrated when results don’t come right away, but everyone’s journey is different," she said. "I’ve been there—losing early in Slams, doubting myself. The key is to keep working and stay positive."
Gauff’s own career trajectory serves as inspiration. Since her breakout as a 15-year-old at Wimbledon in 2019, she has steadily climbed the rankings, overcoming setbacks and refining her game. Her advice to Boisson and other emerging talents:
- Embrace the process, not just the results
- Surround yourself with a supportive team
- Learn from losses—they’re part of the journey
Looking Ahead to the Final
Gauff will face either world No. 1 Iga Świątek or No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s final. A victory would make her the youngest woman to win multiple Grand Slam titles since Maria Sharapova in 2006. Regardless of the outcome, Gauff’s performance in Paris has further cemented her place among tennis’ elite.
As for Boisson, her Roland Garros run is expected to propel her into the top 60, ensuring direct entry into future majors. "I’ll remember this forever," Boisson said. "Now I know what I’m capable of. Next time, I’ll be ready."
Gauff’s sportsmanship and mentorship toward Boisson didn’t go unnoticed. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova praised the interaction on social media: "This is what our sport is about—competition with respect. Coco showing class and Lois showing promise. The future is bright."
The French Open final marks another milestone in Gauff’s young career, while Boisson’s breakthrough signals the arrival of a new contender. As the tennis world turns its attention to Saturday’s championship match, one thing is clear: the next generation of women’s tennis is here, and it’s in good hands.