“Missing birthdays, parties, everything, but this is the life I chose”: 17-year-old Kouame after making history at his first Masters 1000
At 17, the Frenchman Moise Kouame is already the youngest Masters 1000 winner since Nadal – and he’s only just getting started. We’ve met him after his win against Svajda.
Moïse Kouame, Miami 2026 | © PsNewz
In sweltering Miami heat, 17-year-old Moise Kouame battled through cramps, a dropped first set, and sheer exhaustion to defeat Zachary Svajda 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 match, becoming the youngest player to win at the Miami Open in the tournament’s history. The feat places him alongside Rafael Nadal, who in 2003 was the last teenager to win a Masters 1000 match at the same age. Barely able to walk at the finish, Kouame relied almost entirely on his serve to close out the third set. Moments later, composed and thoughtful beyond his years, he faced the press in both English and French, reflecting on sacrifice, ambition, and a text message from his idol Novak Djokovic.
How many messages did you get and which one surprised you the most?
Moise Kouame: I’ve read only one message so far, and it’s from a really special person to me – my idol Novak Djokovic. I will take the time to answer. He texted me something really nice. I respect him so much, inside and outside the court. It’s my dream to meet him and have a small chat.
Moise, how are you feeling physically and emotionally right now?
Moise Kouame: I am completely exhausted. It was a very long battle in the heat, and by the end I could barely move my legs. I was suffering from cramps in the third set, so I had to rely almost entirely on my serve. Emotionally, it is just unbelievable. Miami is Miami – there is no other place like it. Playing on these big stages is a big experience, and I am trying to put everything I have into it.
You were cramping out there. Can you talk about the cramping mixed with the crowd support?
Moise Kouame: It was a really physical match against a great opponent who was going for all his shots. Mentally, I just took control over my physical state to finish the match. I’ve cramped before in difficult training, but managing it during a match is something I have to work on. The crowd atmosphere was incredible. I heard the fans swinging very loud for me.
Can you take us through all the hard work and everything it took to get here?
Moise Kouame: It’s daily work. Even after tough matches, you still need to think about the next one and go to training. I have a great team around me — my family, my mother, my sister, my brother. I won today, but tomorrow I have another match (vs. Jiri Lehecka), so the most important thing is to recover well.
I’m not thinking about the future; I’m just thinking about recovering.
This tournament can change lives. What do you think this could do for you if you win a few more rounds?
Moise Kouame: It would be huge. But I’m not thinking about the future; I’m just thinking about recovering. The most important thing is to work and be 100% focused on what you can control.
How does it feel to have even better numbers at 17 compared to legends?
Moise Kouame: It’s pleasant to know you are among the best at this age, but it only comforts me in the sense that I have to work even harder. To do something bigger – like winning a title – will only come if I keep working mentally and physically.
Do you have time to be a teenager?
Moise Kouame: It is quite difficult. Being here means a lot of sacrifices – missing birthdays, missing parties, missing everything. But this is the life I chose.
I don’t look at social media. My team helps me keep my feet on the ground
Does having Richard Gasquet among your advisors help reduce the pressure?
Moise Kouame: Richard helps me a lot – technically and mentally. Laurent is the same; he has a lot of experience on the circuit. It’s a really good duo and I learn a lot from both of them.
How do you stay in your bubble with all the noise and comparisons to Nadal?
Moise Kouame: I don’t look at social media. My team helps me keep my feet on the ground, because what I’ve done is good, but it’s not the final goal. It’s only a first round. You should never rest on your achievements; you must always seek perfection.
