PARIS — In one of the most astonishing upsets in recent tennis history, world number 361 Lois Boisson stunned third seed Jessica Pegula in the fourth round of the French Open, delivering the biggest shock of this year's tournament. The 22-year-old French wildcard, ranked outside the top 350, defied all odds to defeat the American star in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, sending the Roland Garros crowd into a frenzy.
Boisson, who had never before advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam, played with fearless aggression and precision, dismantling Pegula's game with a mix of powerful groundstrokes and deft drop shots. Pegula, a five-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist and one of the favorites for the title, appeared visibly rattled by Boisson's relentless intensity. "I just couldn't find my rhythm today," Pegula admitted in her post-match press conference. "Lois played incredible tennis—she deserved the win."
A Dream Run for the Underdog
Boisson's victory marks the lowest-ranked player to reach the French Open quarterfinals since rankings were introduced in 1975. Her improbable journey included:
- A first-round win over world number 78 Anna Blinkova
- A second-round triumph against 27th seed Elise Mertens
- A third-round upset of former champion Jelena Ostapenko
Despite her underdog status, Boisson displayed remarkable composure under pressure. "I just kept believing in myself," she said. "I knew if I played my best, I could compete with anyone."
Pegula's Struggles on Clay
Pegula, known for her consistency on hard courts, has historically faced challenges on clay. While she entered the match with a strong 2024 season—including titles in Dubai and Miami—her movement and shot selection on the slower surface proved costly. Boisson capitalized on Pegula's 32 unforced errors, dictating play with her forehand and winning 70% of net points.
Tennis analysts were quick to highlight the significance of the upset. "This is one of those matches that reminds us why we love sports," said former champion Mats Wilander. "Boisson played without fear, and Pegula had no answers."
The Road Ahead
Boisson's fairy-tale run continues as she prepares to face either world number 1 Iga Świątek or former finalist Markéta Vondroušová in the quarterfinals. The French crowd, now fully behind their new heroine, will undoubtedly provide a raucous atmosphere. "I'm just going to enjoy every moment," Boisson said with a smile.
Meanwhile, Pegula will regroup ahead of the grass-court season, where she has historically performed well. "It's disappointing, but I'll learn from this and come back stronger," she told reporters.
A Moment to Remember
Boisson's victory is a testament to the unpredictability of tennis and the magic of Grand Slam tournaments. Her fearless performance against a top-5 player will be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in French Open history. As the tennis world processes the shock, one thing is clear: Lois Boisson has announced herself on the biggest stage.
The match also raises questions about the depth of women's tennis, where emerging talents can topple established stars on any given day. "This is why we play the matches," said Pegula. "Rankings don't always tell the full story."
As Boisson prepares for her next challenge, the tennis world will be watching closely. Whether her dream run continues or ends in the next round, her victory over Pegula has already cemented her place in Roland Garros lore.