French Open star who was slammed for being smelly by Brit shocks world’s richest tennis player in upset of the year
UNDERDOG Lois Boisson is enjoying the sweet smell of success at her first Grand Slam – as she produced the upset of the year.
France’s world No361 came from behind to shock No3 seed and US Open finalist Jessica Pegula 3-6 6-4 6-4 over two hours and 40 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The rookie is the first French female wildcard to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals since former singles champion Mary Pierce in 2002.
Boisson – who has the full support of a nation – was branded SMELLY by Britain’s Harriet Dart when they clashed at a low-key event in April.
Yet she is the one laughing all the way to the perfume shop because her £370,000 prize money can buy her plenty of deodorant.
Prior to this fortnight, her overall cash off from WTA Tour events had been just £16,000.
Boisson, 22, said: “It’s really amazing for me to do this. I’m so proud of me and of my team. I hope to win more matches here.
“I would not believe that if you told me this two weeks ago. But I trust in myself.
“I really want to thank the French Tennis Federation because without this wildcard, I cannot play this tournament. I take my chance – and I will go further. I will try to do my best.
“In the beginning, even though there weren’t many fans, you can still hear them on centre court. But for the third set, it was full. It was incredible.
“Roland Garros is a dream and it’s a goal, so being in the quarter-finals is already a step ahead.”
Boisson will aim to continue her fairytale run when she faces Russian No6 seed Mirra Andreeva, who was a 6-3 7-5 winner over the last remaining Aussie Daria Kasatkina.
Coco Gauff and Madison Keys won their respective last-16 matches in straight sets to set-up an all-US last-eight tie.