Coco Gauff Crushes Lois Boisson, Sets Sights on Sabalenka Showdown
Controversial End to Tennis Career of French Icon Marred by Disagreements
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Coco Gauff bagged a spot in the French Open final after a robust performance against French underdog Lois Boisson. In the semifinals, the American tennis phenom left Boisson, world number 361, in her wake.
World No. 2 Coco Gauff has doused the magical French Open journey of wildcard entrant Lois Boisson, reaching her second final at the Roland Garros following her 2022 foray. In a lopsided semifinal bout, the 21-year-old American outplayed the one-year-elder Frenchwoman 6:1, 6:2.
Saturday's championship will pit Gauff against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. The battle-hardened Belarusian eliminated defending champion Iga Swiatek from Poland 7:6 (7:1), 4:6, 6:0 in the semifinals, snapping Swiatek's remarkable 26-match winning streak at Stade Roland Garros. The Polish lady had reigned supreme in the French capital for the past three years. Sabalenka makes her first Roland Garros final appearance.
Gauff Clinches in 69 Minutes
Boisson had generated excitement at the French Open as the world No. 361 and the first Frenchwoman since Marion Bartoli 14 years ago to reach the semifinals. Boisson's run included the elimination of world No. 3 Jessica Pegula and Russian Mirra Andrejewa.
In the face of Gauff, however, Boisson grappled with the fatigue of previous matches and could not sustain her free-spirited, powerful play. Despite this, she received a warm ovation from the audience after the match. From the outset, Gauff asserted command, requiring only 69 minutes to clinch victory.
"I know you would have preferred her to win," Gauff said with a grin. "Every time you cheered her name, I whispered mine to myself," the American recalled after her swift triumph.**
Sabalenka and Swiatek Duel to the Finish
Sabalenka needed more grit to advance. World No. 1 and defending champion Swiatek gave Sabalenka a run for her money for nearly two hours. Sabalenka began powerfully, then Swiatek fought back, before Sabalenka clinched the first set in the tiebreak. Swiatek regrouped and took the second set to even the score. But then Sabalenka took control, executing a flawless third set.
"It feels incredible," Sabalenka said, her eyes gleaming. "But there's still one more game to win." Sabalenka has conquered three Grand Slam titles so far.**
Sources: ntv.de, tno/dpa
- Tennis
- French Open
Bonus Insights:
- Head-to-Head Record: Gauff and Sabalenka share a highly competitive head-to-head record, tied at 5-5, including one match each in major tournaments and on clay surfaces.
- High-Stakes Matches: The US Open final of 2023 saw Gauff bounce back from a set deficit to emerge victorious.
- Recent Encounters: In their most recent headline match, Gauff triumphed over Sabalenka in straight sets in Riyadh, winning 76% of points that extended seven or more shots. Sabalenka also ousted Gauff in a three-set match in Wuhan.
- Clay Performance: Both players aim for their inaugural French Open title. Sabalenka has demonstrated impressive form this season, having vanquished defending champion Swiatek in the semifinals.
- Gauff's Defense: Gauff's tenacious baseline defense and agility have posed conundrums for Sabalenka in the past.
- Sabalenka's Firepower: Sabalenka's potent game poses a looming threat to Gauff, yet Gauff has managed to win a set in 70% of their matches.
Sports and tennis are highlights of the French Open tournament, with the final match being the climax of the competition. Sports enthusiasts eagerly await the showdown between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, a tennis encounter of significant importance.
Even as the American tennis prodigy, Coco Gauff, prepares to face Sabalenka, she reflects on her recent victories over Lois Boisson, a wildcard entrant who showcased great promise at the French Open but ultimately fell to Gauff in the semifinals.
