A remarkable journey unfolded at the 2025 French Open as Loïs Boisson, a wild-card entry from France, advanced to the semifinals after defeating Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals. This achievement marks her debut in a Grand Slam tournament and has significantly boosted her career earnings. Prior to this event, Boisson's total winnings amounted to just over $148,000 throughout her professional career. Now, she has increased her lifetime earnings by more than five times in just one week, with her current haul exceeding $780,000. Before this tournament, her highest prize money came from the 2023 French Open qualifiers where she earned $16,000 for a first-round loss.
In an unprecedented run, Boisson has defeated three top-50 ranked players, including Elise Mertens, Jessica Pegula, and Mirra Andreeva. Entering the tournament with a WTA ranking of No. 361, she is now among the lowest-ranked women to reach a major semifinal in recent decades. Unlike other low-ranked semifinalists like Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, who were returning champions, Boisson’s rise represents a fresh face in tennis. Her advancement highlights the importance of wild cards in providing opportunities for promising yet underexposed athletes. With a semifinal match against Coco Gauff looming, Boisson stands to earn an additional $670,000 if she secures victory.
An Unlikely Rise to Prominence
Loïs Boisson's journey to the French Open semifinals is nothing short of extraordinary. The young player entered the tournament with a WTA ranking of No. 361, making her one of the lowest-ranked competitors ever to achieve such a milestone in a major championship. Her success can be attributed not only to her skill but also to the opportunity provided by the wild card system. Wild cards, typically reserved for host country players or those recovering from injuries, have occasionally allowed athletes to shine on the world stage. In Boisson’s case, it has transformed her career trajectory.
Prior to this tournament, Boisson had never faced an opponent ranked within the top 50. However, her performance at Roland Garros defied expectations as she triumphed over seasoned players like Elise Mertens (No. 24), Jessica Pegula (No. 3), and Mirra Andreeva (No. 6). Each victory brought her closer to the pinnacle of tennis, showcasing her potential as a formidable competitor. The financial implications of her achievements are equally impressive. Before the French Open, her career earnings totaled just over $148,000, primarily from smaller tournaments. Now, with over $780,000 added to her coffers, Boisson has catapulted herself into a new echelon of professional tennis players. This significant boost in earnings underscores the transformative power of grand slam tournaments for up-and-coming athletes.
The Impact of Tournament Earnings on Careers
The financial rewards associated with deep runs in major tournaments cannot be overstated, especially for players like Loïs Boisson whose previous earnings were modest. Before this year's French Open, her highest payout was $16,000 from a first-round loss in the 2023 qualifiers. Such amounts pale in comparison to the prize money available at grand slams. By reaching the semifinals, Boisson has secured a substantial increase in her lifetime earnings, enhancing her ability to compete at higher levels. The potential for even greater financial gains looms as she faces Coco Gauff in the semifinals, with an additional $670,000 on offer for the winner.
Tennis careers often hinge on consistent participation in high-profile events, which require both talent and financial stability. For players outside the top 100, securing enough prize money to sustain their careers can be challenging. Wild cards serve as a crucial mechanism for introducing promising athletes to the global stage, offering them a chance to prove themselves against elite competition. Boisson’s experience exemplifies this point perfectly. Originally slated to receive a wild card for the 2024 French Open, an ACL injury prevented her participation. Now, having overcome that setback, she is positioned to make history at Roland Garros. If she continues her winning streak, she could claim the champion's purse of $2.9 million, solidifying her status as a rising star in the tennis world.