Moise Kouame did not just win a tennis match in Miami on Thursday, he announced himself as one of the sport’s most exciting prospects.
Competing as a wild card, the 17-year-old Frenchman defeated Zachary Svajda 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in his first-ever Masters 1000 main draw appearance. And it was not a straightforward win, but it was one built on resilience and composure under pressure.
He became the youngest man to win a Masters 1000 match since Rafael Nadal, while also becoming the first player born in 2009 or later to claim an ATP Tour victory.
Saving 10 of 12 break points and turning the match after trailing in the second set underlined a maturity far beyond his age.
Moise Kouame reveals message from idol Novak Djokovic
Kouame’s breakthrough moment quickly became even more surreal off the court. The French teenager revealed that Novak Djokovic, his childhood idol, reached out to him after the win.
He told Steve Weissman (via The Tennis Letter): “I have a small secret. After the win, Novak texted me. I’m so nervous. I don’t know what to answer. I’m really so nervous right now. I don’t know if I’m going to answer. Maybe if you have tips you can give me?”
“I’d start with ‘Thank you. I really appreciate it. What did he text you?” the sports presenter replied.
Kouame explained: “He texted me I think like ‘Big match today. Congrats. Hopefully you’ll go far in the tournament.’ Something like this. But yeah… ‘Thank you Novak. No, thank you my idol?’ no I don’t know.”
Weissman asked: “Have you met him before?”
“No, never. It’s my dream. Imagine having your idol DM you like this. Oh my god. It’s too much for me. Oh my god,” the 17-year-old concluded.