PARIS – The one keeping the celebrations alive in the French capital is named Lois Boisson.
The 22-year-old French wildcard is the big surprise of Roland Garros and the reason Parisians have yet another excuse to celebrate, just days after Paris Saint-Germain claimed the Champions League title.
It’s almost anecdotal that all of this is happening within less than a kilometre. On the clay of Philippe Chatrier, Boisson reached the quarterfinals of the women’s draw after defeating Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. On the grass of the Parc des Princes, PSG were crowned champions of Europe after beating Inter Milan. The 16th arrondissement, in the southwest of Paris, is — more than ever — the sporting world’s trending topic.
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The French men have disappointed. Arthur Fils was forced to withdraw due to a stress fracture; Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard exited in the second round in an unexpected loss.
So, as the second week of the French Open gets underway, it is a young woman ranked No. 361 in the WTA rankings, playing her very first Grand Slam, who carries the hopes of the home crowd.
Not one for microphones and quite shy, Boisson expressed her joy in words — even if it didn’t quite show on her face.
“I trust in myself, although I wouldn’t have imagined getting this far. I’m really happy about it,” she said.
Just minutes after the young Frenchwoman finished signing autographs on the main court at Roland Garros (where she had never played before), the celebrations continued.
That’s when PSG footballer Ousmane Dembélé appeared, presenting the Champions League trophy — ‘La Orejona’ — to the crowd at Philippe Chatrier. Waving it in the air, the French fans roared “Ici, c’est Paris!” (“This is Paris!”), the club’s iconic chant.
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The French tennis sensation walked off court, and on came the football star — the face of both the city’s club and the national team.
Did they meet? Did the tournament organisers bring them together in the hallway? Not even for a photo.
“To be honest, I don’t really watch football and I don’t know much about it,” said Lois Boisson. “So no, it’s okay if I don’t see him — I wouldn’t know what to ask. But yes, they won two days ago and it’s unbelievable for the French.”
It doesn’t really matter. With tennis, with football, the celebrations continue in the Bois de Boulogne — and all across Paris.
