Boisson in No Hurry After Shock Victory

World No. 361 is first local player in quarterfinals since 2017; Djokovic, Zverev also through

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PARIS - The French Open crowd showed both sides of its character as local favourite Lois Boisson moved into the quarterfinals with a stunning 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over world No. 3 Jessica Pegula on June 2.

The world No. 361 fought tooth and nail on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where the fans showed up late — a common occurrence at the tournament where nothing can interrupt the sanctity of lunch — to watch the 22-year-old become the first French player to reach the Roland Garros last eight since 2017.

The sight of empty seats was all the more jarring considering the unlikelihood of a Frenchwoman making it to the second week at Roland Garros, with only one of them featuring in the top 100 in the WTA rankings.

Fewer than 5,000 people filled the stands in the 15,000-capacity arena when wildcard Boisson played the first point without the vocal support she needed at her home Grand Slam.

She played the final set, however, to the sound of "Lois, Lois!" sung by a raucous audience and her victory was greeted by a spontaneous rendition of La Marseillaise.

Boisson, who suffered a serious knee injury before the 2024 French Open, was gracious after winning a 2hr 40min battle.