Moise Kouame became the youngest man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament since Rafael Nadal in 2003 after a dramatic victory at the French Open on Thursday.
The 17 year old wildcard defeated Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(8) in a match lasting four hours and 56 minutes on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Kouame appeared in control after taking a two set lead in front of the home crowd, but Vallejo fought back strongly to level the match. The French teenager also faced elimination in the deciding set when Vallejo served for the match at 5-3.
However, Kouame recovered under difficult conditions in the Paris heat and eventually secured victory in a tense final set tie break.
“Frankly, without you, I would never have won this match, never,” Kouame told the crowd during his on court interview after the match.
The result continues an impressive tournament for the French teenager, who had already become the youngest man to win a Grand Slam singles match in 17 years following his first round victory against Marin Cilic.
Kouame is now the youngest male player to reach the last 32 at a major tournament since Nadal reached the third round at Wimbledon Championships.
The achievement also marks the first time since 2006 that three teenagers have reached the third round of the men’s singles at Roland Garros. Kouame joins Rafael Jodar and Joao Fonseca in reaching that stage this year.
