17-Year-Old Moise Kouame Wins Opening Match at French Open

U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(4) 6-2 6-1 at the French Open on Tuesday, becoming the youngest man to win a Grand Slam main-draw match in 17 years. U.S. Open champion ranked 46th. Kouame saved two set points in the opening tiebreak before dominating the next two sets without conceding a break of serve.

Kouame used speed in defense and drop shots that drew repeated applause from spectators on Court Simonne Mathieu. He held serve throughout the contest and converted his opportunities after the first set.

“It wasn’t easy. I always try to stay in the present moment and not think too much about the score. ”

Kouame is the youngest player to advance past the first round at Roland Garros since Romania’s Dinu Pescariu in 1991 at 17 years and one month old.

Coached by former French player Richard Gasquet, Kouame entered the tournament after winning three ITF titles this season and earning wildcards at the Miami and Monte-Carlo Masters. He secured his second career main-tour victory after his first at the Miami Masters in March.

“All the experience I gained in Miami and Monte-Carlo probably helped me a little. Technically, I felt pretty calm. ”

Kouame said the team prepared thoroughly and that he did not know what to expect coming into the event.

He will next face Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, who advanced when 20th seed Cameron Norrie retired injured. The second-round match is scheduled for later this week.