Moïse Kouamé recorded the first Grand Slam win of his career at the French Open. The 17-year-old thrilled the Roland Garros crowd.
A Much-Needed Win for French Tennis
It’s been a tough few days for French tennis fans and players at their home Grand Slam. They lost Gaël Monfils, who fell in five sets. Arthur Fils withdrew the day before the tournament started with an injury. Loïs Bosson lost in the first round.
Kouamé became the youngest man to win a Grand Slam match in 17 years when he knocked off Marin Čilić in straight sets. His win was close and then not close as all. He edged Čilić in a first-set tiebreak, then rolled in a 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-1 win.
Kouamé hails from Sarcelles. He was emotional on the court in front of a delirious crowd. His first major win was a tonic to a tournament in need of some zip — and some French success. It made him the first male player born in 2009 to win a Grand Slam match.
Kouame’s Coach and Future Prospects
Kouamé’s coach is Richard Gasquet. Kouamé said the most important thing is ahead. He said his head is focused on recovering and being as ready as possible for the next round.
He faces Adolfo Daniel Vallejo on Thursday. France will be watching, and hoping.
Gauff’s Car Accident
Coco Gauff opened her title defense with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Taylor Townsend. Her preparation was thrown off course by an unexpected intervention.
“We kind of got in a mini car accident on my way to the site today,” Gauff said. “There’s this pole thing, and it’s supposed to go down. And the police told him (the driver) to go, and the pole was still there so we ran into it. You felt a little impact. I spilt my juice all over the car.”
Gauff explained that the car was no longer roadworthy. A taxi and tournament car were needed to complete her journey to Roland Garros.
The 22-year-old said it was a “good omen” for everything to be happening before her first round.
Kouamé won a tour-level match at the Miami Open in March.