Loïs Boisson Hires Hendrik Vleeshouwers Ahead of Madrid Return

French No. 1 Loïs Boisson has begun working with Dutch coach Hendrik Vleeshouwers as she prepares for her return to the WTA Tour at the Madrid Open, according to verified reports from French sports outlets L’Équipe and Le Parisien. The move comes after a six-and-a-half-month absence from competition following her run to the French Open semifinals in September 2025.

Boisson, who reached a career-high ranking during her breakthrough Roland-Garros campaign, had been sidelined since late September 2025. Her last competitive appearance was at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing, where she was defeated in the early rounds. She had previously parted ways with coach Carlos Martinez after a brief collaboration that yielded limited results due to ongoing physical challenges.

The decision to bring in Vleeshouwers marks Boisson’s third coaching change in under a year. She initially ended her partnership with Florian Reynet before the US Open last summer before turning to Martinez. Now, she aligns with a coach who recently guided American Amanda Anisimova to the peak of her career.

Vleeshouwers, 40, worked with Anisimova for two seasons, during which the American rose to a career-best world No. 3 and reached the finals of both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025. Under his guidance, Anisimova also won WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Beijing. Their partnership concluded in March 2026, shortly after which Vleeshouwers began discussions with Boisson’s team.

According to L’Équipe, Boisson was spotted training at Madrid’s Caja Magica facility with Vleeshouwers later this week, signaling the start of their on-court collaboration. Le Parisien confirmed that the Dutch coach has “quickly found a novel setup” following his separation from Anisimova and is now fully integrated into Boisson’s preparation for her comeback.

The WTA 1000 event in Madrid, held annually on the red clay of the Caja Magica, is set to begin next week. Boisson, a known favorite on clay due to her aggressive baseline game and movement, is expected to use the tournament as a key stepping stone in her return to form. The clay courts in Madrid often serve as a vital preparatory stage for players ahead of the French Open, making her performance there particularly significant.

Boisson’s return carries added weight given her status as France’s top-ranked player. Her absence created a void in the nation’s tennis landscape, especially after her strong showing at Roland-Garros where she defeated several higher-ranked opponents en route to the semifinals. Re-establishing herself in the top tier will require not only physical readiness but also tactical consistency — an area where Vleeshouwers’ experience with a top-five player like Anisimova could prove valuable.

Although neither Boisson nor Vleeshouwers has publicly detailed the specifics of their working relationship, the timing of the partnership suggests a focused effort to rebuild match sharpness and confidence. The Dutch coach’s background in developing powerful baseliners with strong mental resilience aligns with the attributes that defined Boisson’s surprise run at Roland-Garros.

As of now, no official statement has been issued by Boisson’s management or the WTA regarding her entry status in Madrid. However, her physical presence at the Caja Magica with her new coach indicates active preparation. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how quickly she can regain her rhythm against top-tier opposition on the European clay circuit.

Her next confirmed checkpoint is the WTA 1000 Madrid Open, where she aims to capture the first concrete step toward reclaiming her place among the world’s elite players. For updates on her draw, match schedule, and performance, followers are encouraged to consult the official WTA website and tournament communications.

What do you think about Loïs Boisson’s coaching change and her chances in Madrid? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word if you found this update informative.