Coco Gauff said she had to block out the home support as she beat French wildcard Lois Boisson to reach the final at Roland-Garros on Thursday.
Boisson, the world No 361, sent shockwaves around the tournament by becoming the first wildcard to reach the semi-finals, and a notoriously fierce crowd can be a challenge even for the most seasoned players, but Gauff came prepared.
“This is my first time playing a French player here. I was mentally prepared that it was to be 99% for her so I was trying to block it out,” said Gauff.
Addressing the crowd, she added: “When you were saying her name, I was saying my name to myself just to psyche myself.”
Boisson knocked out third seed Jessica Pegula and sixth-ranked Mirra Andreeva on her way to the semi-final. But world No 2 Gauff eased to a composed 6-1, 6-2 victory to set up a showdown with Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Boisson looked like she had finally run out of energy against Gauff. But the American paid tribute to her 22-year-old opponent, who she believes can compete at the top of the sport going forward.
“Lois is an incredible player and for her to have the tournament she’s had, she’s shown she’s one of the best players in the world,” said Gauff. “I hope we have many more battles in the future, especially here, Today it was just my day.”
Gauff, who can become the first American since Serena Williams in 2015 to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup, clearly shifted up a gear after beating compatriot Madison Keys in an error-strewn quarter-final on Wednesday.
Her forehand was solid again, her backhand mesmerizing at times and she served consistently throughout. Boisson, on the other hand, made an unusual number of unforced errors as her opponent repeatedly forced her to go for the extra shot.
Gauff raced to a 4-0 lead under the Court Philippe Chatrier roof and never looked back, breaking to love at 3-2 in the second set right after Boisson broke her serve for the first time. The American was on an eight-point winning streak and at the change of ends at 5-2, Boisson placed her towel over her head and hit herself in frustration.
“It’s always the plan to start strong,” said Gauff. “I knew it was important today. She’s an incredible player, she proved to be one of the best players in the world, especially on clay. I’m sure we’ll have more battles in the future.”
The first Frenchwoman to reach the last four at Roland Garros since Marion Bartoli in 2011, Boisson bowed out when she sent yet another forehand long. She does have some consolation though: she will rocket up the rankings and has earned $789,000 for her run to the semi-finals, eclipsing her previous career earnings of $148,000.
