Into the Wild

Loïs Boisson's unprecedented run at Roland Garros shows the power of bending the numbers.

PARIS, France — The men’s and women’s semifinal line-ups are set at Roland Garros, featuring seven pre-tournament shortlist contenders…and the most surprising major semifinalist in memory.

The final four on the women’s side features the current WTA No. 1, No. 2, No. 5 (who is the three-time defending champ)…and the No. 361.

Loïs Boisson is the undeniable story of the tournament, both for the local hook in France and also for the sheer improbability of her being ready for this moment in the way she has proven to be. Boisson had less pedigree, everyone seemingly agrees, than any other major semifinalist before her. Like, ever.