French teenager Moïse Kouamé has announced himself on the grand slam stage with a stunning 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-1 victory over former US Open champion Marin Cilic at Roland Garros. The 17-year-old, playing his first main draw match at a major, became the youngest player to win a men's singles grand slam match since 2009 and the youngest at the French Open since 1991.
Kouamé's performance was marked by a powerful serve that reached 139mph (223km/h) and exceptional composure, as he broke Cilic's serve repeatedly. The Croatian, 37, struggled in the searing heat and could not match the teenager's athleticism and consistency. The crowd of 5,000 responded with a rendition of La Marseillaise as Kouamé moved two sets ahead.
Kouamé's rise has been rapid: he reached the Orange Bowl junior final in 2024, won an ITF title in Bressuire, and qualified for his first ATP main draw in Montpellier in February. Wildcards at Masters 1000 events in Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid followed, building anticipation for his home grand slam debut. France has long awaited a successor to Yannick Noah, who won the French Open in 1983.
“I’m 17, and I have won one grand slam match,” Kouamé said. “I didn’t care about his age. I just wanted to give him shots that were as complicated to play as possible.”
In other results, sixth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock first-round exit to Australian Adam Walton 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4. British No.1 Cameron Norrie retired with a rib injury while trailing Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 7-6 (7), 2-0. Top seed Jannik Sinner began his campaign with a comfortable win over a French opponent.
