Lois Boisson, the French tennis sensation who stunned the world at Roland-Garros, saw her Wimbledon dreams cut short after a dramatic first-round qualifying defeat. The 22-year-old, fresh off a fairytale run to the French Open semifinals, was unable to secure a spot in the Wimbledon main draw, losing in three sets to Canada’s Carson Branstine.
From Parisian Glory to London Heartbreak
Just weeks ago, Boisson was the talk of the tennis world. Ranked 361st before the French Open, she rocketed up the rankings after toppling heavyweights like Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva, before falling to eventual champion Coco Gauff in the semifinals. Her breakthrough performance not only made her a household name in France but also catapulted her to a career-high ranking of 67 in the WTA standings.
Yet, despite this meteoric rise, Boisson’s Wimbledon journey was far from straightforward. Due to the tournament’s entry rules, which use rankings from six weeks prior, Boisson was forced to enter the qualifying rounds instead of the main draw. Many in the tennis community, particularly in France, criticized Wimbledon organizers for not awarding her a wild card, a privilege mostly reserved for British players and past champions.
The Qualifying Battle: A Test of Nerves and Grass-Court Skills
On June 24, Boisson stepped onto the grass courts of Roehampton for her first-ever Wimbledon appearance. Facing world No. 197 Carson Branstine, Boisson fought valiantly in a match that lasted nearly two hours. The final score: 6-2, 6-7(1), 6-4 in Branstine’s favor.
- First Set: Branstine dominated early, taking the set 6-2 as Boisson struggled to adapt to the slick grass surface.
- Second Set: Boisson’s resilience shone through. She pushed Branstine into long rallies, clinched the tiebreak 7-1, and electrified the crowd with her fighting spirit.
- Final Set: Despite her efforts, Boisson was ultimately overwhelmed by Branstine’s consistency and the unique demands of grass-court tennis.
Why Boisson Missed Out on a Wild Card
Boisson’s lack of grass-court experience was cited as a key reason for Wimbledon’s decision not to grant her a wild card, with organizers favoring British players and former champions for these coveted spots. Only one non-British player, two-time champion Petra Kvitova, received a wild card this year.
What’s Next for Lois Boisson?
While this early exit stings, Boisson’s rapid ascent and fighting spirit have won her fans worldwide. Her new ranking should guarantee direct entry into the US Open later this summer, where she’ll look to build on her Roland-Garros momentum and continue her rise up the tennis ranks.
Key Takeaways
- Lois Boisson, French Open semifinalist, lost in the first round of Wimbledon qualifying to Carson Branstine.
- Despite her new top-70 ranking, she was not granted a main draw wild card due to entry cutoff dates and lack of grass-court experience.
- Boisson’s performance at Roland-Garros remains one of the year’s most inspiring tennis stories.
- She is expected to enter the US Open main draw later this year.
FAQs About Lois Boisson’s Wimbledon Qualifying Loss
Q1: Why did Lois Boisson have to play Wimbledon qualifiers despite her high ranking?
A: Wimbledon’s main draw entry is based on rankings from about six weeks before the tournament. Boisson’s ranking surge came after the cutoff, requiring her to play qualifiers.
Q2: Who defeated Lois Boisson in the Wimbledon qualifiers?
A: Boisson lost to Canada’s Carson Branstine, ranked 197th, in a three-set battle: 6-2, 6-7(1), 6-4.
Q3: Did Lois Boisson receive a wild card for Wimbledon?
A: No, she was not granted a wild card. Organizers favored British players and former champions, citing Boisson’s lack of grass-court experience.
Q4: What were Lois Boisson’s achievements at the French Open?
A: Boisson reached the semifinals at Roland-Garros, defeating top-10 players Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva before losing to Coco Gauff.
Q5: Will Lois Boisson play in the US Open?
A: Yes, her new ranking should secure her direct entry into the US Open main draw later this year.
Conclusion
Lois Boisson’s Wimbledon journey may have ended sooner than hoped, but her story is far from over. The French Open semifinalist has already proven she can rise to the occasion and will no doubt return stronger, ready to take on the world’s best at future Grand Slams. For now, tennis fans can only look forward to seeing what this rising star will achieve next.
