The chants of “Merci, Mo-ise” rang around the stands as the 17-year-old became the youngest French player to reach the Roland-Garros men’s singles third round in the Open era.
For tennis fans worldwide, it’s time to get used to hearing ‘game, set, match, Kouame,’ for many years to come.
“I just have one word to say: Thank you!” the world No.318 said to the fans on court. “This victory belongs to you. Quite honestly, without you, I would never have won this match, never. I don’t think you realise how much you supported me. Physically, you’re even more exhausted than I am, you gave it your all, and it worked, so thank you.”
“Last year I watched the final where Carlos Alcaraz saved three match points. He said he never stopped believing. Today, when I found myself down 3-5, broken in the fifth, I never stopped believing.”
More to follow…