The player who surprised everyone at Roland-Garros has now won her first WTA title at the Hamburg Ladies Open.

Loïs Boisson, a 22-year-old from France, became a sensation after reaching the semifinals at the French Open. But her journey after that success was not easy. Despite the media attention, Boisson had not yet won a title, even at the WTA 250 level. For many tennis fans — especially outside France — her result in Paris seemed like a lucky run rather than proof of long-term potential.

One example of this perception came in June, when she requested a wild card for the Wimbledon main draw but was denied. Organisers pointed to her lack of past results and limited popularity in the UK. Instead, Boisson entered the qualifying draw using her protected ranking. She was seeded No. 1 but lost in the first round to Canadian player Carson Branstine in three sets.

The Hamburg Ladies Open was only the third WTA tournament of Boisson’s career. On her way to the title, she defeated No. 2 seed Dayana Yastremska and won 11 of her first 13 matches at this level.

In the final, Boisson hit 10 double faults but remained strong on her first serve, winning 73.7% of those points. She also returned well, winning 63.3% of points on her opponent’s second serve. Boisson converted 6 of 9 break points and won 55.1% of total points — showing calm and control under pressure.

Her opponent, Anna Bondar — also playing in her first WTA final — started fast and took a 4–0 lead. But she could not keep the momentum. Bondar also hit 10 double faults and converted only 4 of 13 break points, which cost her the match.

Now the French No. 1 after Caroline Garcia’s retirement, Boisson has taken a big step — not only toward entering the WTA Top 50, but also toward becoming the most recognisable French female player of her generation.

Cover photo: Wikimedia Commons