Last Updated:
Moise Kouame, 17, wins epic five set French Open match to reach third round, becomes youngest man since Rafael Nadal in 2003 to do so, will face Alejandro Tabilo next
Moise Kouame became the youngest man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament since Rafael Nadal (AP)
French tennis prodigy Moise Kouame produced a stunning comeback at the French Open on Thursday to become the youngest man since Rafael Nadal in 2003 to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament.
The 17-year-old wildcard survived an exhausting five-set battle against Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, eventually closing out a memorable 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8) victory after nearly five hours on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Who Is Moise Kouame?
Ranked 318th in the world and making his Grand Slam debut, Kouame showed remarkable composure in front of an electric home crowd. After racing into a two-set lead, the teenager appeared physically drained as Vallejo fought his way back into the contest. But Kouame refused to surrender, recovering from 5-3 down in the deciding set before edging an intense super tie-break.
“Winning Roland Garros is, of course, a dream, but winning all four (Slams) is a dream actually, you know. Being world number one is also a dream,” Kouame, currently ranked 318th, told reporters at the French Open.
“I think thinking about winning the tournament is a bit early.
“But, yeah, I’m really happy to be in the third round, as well, of course, and I’m going to try my best to win another match.”
Kouame’s run has already placed him in elite company. It is the first time since 2006 that three teenagers have reached the men’s singles third round at Roland Garros, drawing comparisons with the generation led by Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils.
Despite the growing attention around his age and achievements, Kouame insisted he remains focused solely on winning matches.
“I think thinking about age is a mistake,” said Kouame.
“I think because… when you are on court, you are trying to win the match. You’re not trying to think about how old is your opponent. That is something I do pretty well.”
The French teenager credited the crowd for helping him survive the emotional and physical battle.
“I love this sport, because we get those kinds of atmospheres and for the pressure that you experience,” Kouame added.
“But it is definitely more enjoyable to play in front of 10,000 people than 10. That’s a fact.”
Kouame will next face Alejandro Tabilo for a place in the fourth round.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
