By terrifying Mirra Andreeva on Wednesday, world n ° 6 (7-6 (6), 6-3), Loïs Boisson became the 5th tricolor representative To reach the semi-finals in Roland Garros since the start of the open era in 1968. Fourteen years after Marion Bartoli in 2011, the 361st world player will challenge the American Coco Gauff on Thursday for a place in the final.
Francoise dice a 1972 it’s 1979
Porte Flag of French Female Tennis from the 60s and 70s, Françoise Dürr is the first tricolor in the Open era to reach the last square in Roland-Garros, in 1972 then in 1973. Sacred in 1967 just before the passage to professionalism, she then stumbled on the biggest: Evonne Goolagong in 1972 (9-7, 6-4, Tie-Break was not in force) Then Chris Evert in 1973 (6-1, 6-0). Combative, mischievous, it embodies a form of French elegance, wooden racket and lapel stolen.
Brigitte Simon a 1978
Less known to the general public, Brigitte Simon-Glinel achieved a superb course in 1978, reaching the semi-finals. It is ultimately the Romanian Virginia Ruzici (6-3, 6-0), future winner of the tournament, which ends her adventure. Discreet but effective, Simon-Glinel remains one of the big French surprises in Roland.
Mary Pierce in 1994, 2000 and 2005
True heroine of tricolor tennis, Mary Pierce marks the story of Roland-Garros By reaching the semi-finals three times (1994 beaten by Arantxa Sanchez, 2000, 2005 stopped by Justine Henin). In 2000, she realized the ultimate feat: dominate Martina Hingis in the semi-finals (6-4, 5-7, 6-2), then Conchita Martínez in the final (6-2 7-5) to become the last Frenchman titled to date. Powerful, inhabited, Mary has often electrified the central, carried by the public.
Marion Bartoli in 2011
In 2011, Marion Bartoli rose to the Roland-Garros semi-finals. Defeat by Italian Francesca Schiavone, the title holder (6-3, 6-3) she will have delivered a tournament full of daring and panache. Finalist at Wimbledon four years earlier, future winner in 2013, Bartoli will have long worn the hopes of French female tennis at arm’s length, with his extraordinary style and determination.
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