France lose Lois Boisson for United Cup as Australian Open participation remains uncertain

Frenchwoman No. 1 Lois Boisson has announced her withdrawal from the United Cup, leaving France without its main weapon just days before the start of the tournament. The world No. 36 was set to make her debut in the national teams event alongside compatriot Arthur Rinderknech, another of the 2025 breakthrough players after reaching the final of the Shanghai Masters.

France had been preparing for this year’s United Cup with an unprecedented pairing in Rinderknech and Boisson — two players who, just a year ago, were far from the biggest names on the Tour or the sport’s major stages. However, Boisson will not compete after suffering a setback related to her ongoing injury issues, which now also place her participation in the Australian Open in doubt.

At just 22 years old, Boisson’s short professional career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries. Back in 2024, she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear that sidelined her for much of the season. It was not until the 2025 French Open that she truly announced herself on the big stage, producing a memorable run to the semifinals at Roland Garros.

A few weeks ago, Boisson admitted that she required a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection in her knee, forcing her to cancel several exhibition matches scheduled for December. Despite that, expectations remained that she would be fit in time for the Australian swing.

Unfortunately, Boisson will not be able to begin her season at the United Cup and will be absent from the French team on this occasion. “I wanted to inform you that, unfortunately, I had a small setback during my pre-season preparation and, as a result, I won’t be ready in time to participate in the United Cup in Perth,” Boisson wrote on Instagram. “It was a very difficult decision to make, as I was really looking forward to representing France for the first time in a team competition. I am doing everything possible to be ready in time for the Australian Open.”

With Boisson sidelined, Leolia Jeanjean (No. 102) will take on the responsibility of contesting the women’s singles matches. France can also rely on Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah (No. 117), who captured her first WTA 250 title earlier this year at the São Paulo Open.

The French team will still feature Arthur Rinderknech (No. 27) as its leader in men’s singles, supported by Geoffrey Blancaneaux (No. 256) and doubles specialist Edouard Roger-Vasselin (No. 17).

France has been drawn into a demanding Group C at the United Cup in Perth, alongside Italy and Switzerland. Italy arrive as reigning powerhouses, having won the last three Davis Cup titles and the last two editions of the Billie Jean King Cup, although they have yet to translate that success into the mixed team event that opens the season.

The Italians will be led by Jasmine Paolini (No. 9) and Flavio Cobolli, both key figures in Italy’s 2025 titles. They also boast one of the strongest doubles teams on the field, with Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani, the reigning US Open mixed doubles champions for the past two years.

Switzerland complete the group, captained by Stan Wawrinka, who will also compete in the men’s singles. The three-time Grand Slam champion will be joined by former Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic, who has an opportunity to push her way back into the Top 10 as early as this week if she delivers strong individual performances and helps Switzerland advance.