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Moïse Kouamé Becomes Youngest Since Nadal, Beats Cilic

5/28/2026

Summary

Kouamé Advances

Moïse Kouamé reached French Open third round, beating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10-8) thereby becoming the youngest man to do so since Rafael Nadal in 2003.
Earlier, Kouamé defeated US Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6, 6-2, 6-1, the youngest to beat a former major champion at Roland Garros.
He will face No 36 Alejandro Tabilo on Saturday, saying the crowd and tour experience helped him stay calm.

Summary

Kouamé Disrupts Rankings

Moïse Kouamé’s third-round appearance is boosting the market value of teenage prospects for sponsors and academies.
His aggressive win-rate over higher-ranked veterans is seen as a possible disruption to the ATP ranking order.
Analysts caution that rapid early success often precedes burnout or injury, citing past teenage phenoms.
Experts expect his ATP points to rise noticeably before season’s end if his service efficiency holds, influencing endorsement talks.

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Kouamé Advances

Moïse Kouamé reached French Open third round, beating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10-8) thereby becoming the youngest man to do so since Rafael Nadal in 2003.
Earlier, Kouamé defeated US Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6, 6-2, 6-1, the youngest to beat a former major champion at Roland Garros.
He will face No 36 Alejandro Tabilo on Saturday, saying the crowd and tour experience helped him stay calm.

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