In one of the most astonishing upsets in recent tennis history, Jessica Pegula, the world No. 3, was sent packing by 22-year-old French underdog Lois Boisson in the fourth round of Roland Garros. The Paris crowd erupted in disbelief as Boisson, ranked 361st in the world and playing in her first-ever Grand Slam main draw, overcame the American star 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 on the storied Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Pegula, a consistent force on the WTA Tour and a proven performer on faster courts, was widely expected to cruise through the match. Yet, the third seed faced an opponent who had absolutely nothing to lose—and everything to prove. The Mission Impossible star of American tennis entered the contest with a sparkling 19-2 record against players ranked outside the Top 100 at majors and had never lost to an unseeded player at Roland Garros. But Boisson, backed by a roaring home crowd, shattered those statistics and, perhaps, Pegula’s confidence.

The French wild card, who only recently made headlines for an unfortunate incident where a rival player complained about her body odor, has turned that viral moment into one of victory and vindication. Earlier this season, British player Harriet Dart told an umpire during their match that Boisson “smells really bad,” leading to a flurry of memes and social media buzz. However, the young Frenchwoman took it in stride and responded not with anger—but with wins.

Rising like a phoenix from that public mockery, the Grand Slam debutante has now become the lowest-ranked player to reach a major quarterfinal since 2017, when Estonian veteran Kaia Kanepi, ranked 418th at the time, reached the US Open quarters. Boisson’s performance was nothing short of heroic. Trailing a set and 4-3, she flipped the script with fearless inside-out forehands, crafty drop shots, and relentless defense that clearly rattled the US Open runner-up.

Tennis legend and TNT commentator Lindsay Davenport observed how “Jessie’s got to stop the bleeding,” noting that the French crowd was as much of an opponent as Boisson herself. The American star—known for her calm demeanor—had previously survived similar pressure in Miami against Alexandra Eala, but this time, the red clay of Paris betrayed her rhythm.

Despite her tactical adjustments, including drawing Boisson to the net with doubles-savvy drop shots and volleys, the US star couldn’t generate enough separation. Her break point conversion—just one out of six in the final set—proved costly. In the decisive final game, Pegula had four break chances, but a mishit here and a narrow volley miss there left her fate sealed. A massive forehand from Boisson closed out the match—and sent the stadium into an absolute frenzy.

With this breakthrough, Boisson has become the last remaining French player in the tournament, carrying the hopes of the host nation forward. “I hope to win, right?” she laughed in a post-match interview, humbled and beaming with joy. The young sensation now sets her sights on Russian teen star Mirra Andreeva, the sixth seed, in what promises to be another thrilling showdown.

As Paris celebrates PSG’s Champions League victory, the city has found another unlikely hero in Lois Boisson. Her rise is not just a tennis fairytale—it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful victories come from those with nothing left to lose.