Lois Boisson must play qualifying rounds after Wimbledon refused her wildcard request. The French tennis player reached the semifinals at this year's French Open but cannot enter the main draw directly. Eight women received wildcards Wednesday for the grass court tournament that starts June 30. Former champion Petra Kvitova earned one spot after having a baby last year. Seven British players also got direct entry passes.
Boisson climbed from 361st to 67th place after her strong French Open showing. She beat several top players during her run through Roland Garros before losing to eventual champion Coco Gauff. The 22-year-old earned 660,000 euros and gained nearly 300 ranking spots from her performance. Her ranking jumped happened after Wimbledon set its main draw cutoff date. Officials had already decided the qualifying list when she made her breakthrough.
The young French star practices on grass courts for the first time professionally. Coaches say the surface will challenge her topspin-heavy playing style that works well on clay. She must learn different shots and adapt her game for balls that bounce lower. French tennis officials believe she can succeed despite the surface change. Qualifying tournaments begin June 23 before the main championships start one week later.
Boisson climbed from 361st to 67th place after her strong French Open showing. She beat several top players during her run through Roland Garros before losing to eventual champion Coco Gauff. The 22-year-old earned 660,000 euros and gained nearly 300 ranking spots from her performance. Her ranking jumped happened after Wimbledon set its main draw cutoff date. Officials had already decided the qualifying list when she made her breakthrough.
The young French star practices on grass courts for the first time professionally. Coaches say the surface will challenge her topspin-heavy playing style that works well on clay. She must learn different shots and adapt her game for balls that bounce lower. French tennis officials believe she can succeed despite the surface change. Qualifying tournaments begin June 23 before the main championships start one week later.
