Genius released on Court Philippe-Chatrier

MAJORS have that magic effect of elevating not only the level of tennis of Top dogs, in their respective quests to win either their first (Alexander Zverev), their fifth (Carlos Alcaraz),or their 25th (Novak Djokovic) title, but also propelling underdogs to perform beyond all expectation.

- DEBORAH CURTIS-SETCHELL

Roland Garros too, has delivered: French Wild card & No 361, Lois Boisson, your proverbial Cinderella, who prior to this event had no clothing sponsor and was on the verge of declining her invitation to the French Open ‘ball’ on account of a knee injury, yet pumpkins aside, managed to arrive, in the nick of time.

She then proceeded to come from aset down, against World No 3, Jessica Pegula, in Round 4 to beat the stunned American, 3-6,6-4,6-4. No fairy godmother hovered above. Instead she had the divine force of a raucous French crowd willing her to win.

Her carriage ride continued into the Quarters, where she upset, 6th seeded Russian, Mira Andreeva in straight sets, 7-6(6),6-3, to earn herself a Semis berth. The fact she then suffered a loss to 2nd seed Coco Gauff was insignificant, in the eyes of the French.

Boisson has made Tennis history in becoming the first WTA wild card, literally sprinkled in red fairy dust, to reach the Last-Four endearing herself to Paris, sponsors and the world at large.