French prodigy Kouame backed by Laurent Raymond in addition to Richard Gasquet, questions over his moving coaching environment
French tennis sensation Moïse Kouamé faces a critical juncture in his development as the FFT intervenes to provide much-needed stability following a turbulent start to his professional career, according to a feature by French media RMC this Monday.
Moïse Kouame and Gilles Moretton, Montpellier 2026 | © Occitanie Open / JB Autissier
At just 16 years old, Moïse Kouame has become the centerpiece of French tennis development after a historic start to 2026. The teenager, currently ranked world No. 503, opened the season with a 12-match win streak, capturing back-to-back ITF titles in Hazebrouck and Bressuire.
He further solidified his “prodigy” status by qualifying for his first ATP main draw in Montpellier, nearly upsetting world No. 90 Aleksandar Kovacevic before falling 6-7, 6-2, 6-2.
However, this rapid ascent has been shadowed by a volatile coaching environment, which French media RMC highlights in a feature released on Monday. Despite his success, Kouame has already cycled through several high-profile mentors, including Gilles Simon and Philippe Dehaes.
The latter was reportedly dismissed abruptly during the Bressuire tournament by Kouame’s mother, who manages the 16-year-old’s career alongside the IMG agency. This followed a brief passage through the Mouratoglou Academy in 2024 via the Champseed foundation.
To protect their top prospect, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) has stepped in, assigning national coach Laurent Raymond to support Kouame during this week’s Pau Challenger. The young Frenchman is now also benefiting from the guidance of Richard Gasquet, who has been appointed as his technical advisor despite his own coaching commitments with the French Davis Cup team.
Speculation is also mounting that veteran coach Emmanuel Planque could be the long-term solution to provide the stability and discipline required to manage the talented youngster’s career. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard announced on Sunday that he and his long-time coach Emmanuel Planque have ended their four-year collaboration. Kouamé is scheduled to play his first-round match in Pau against German qualifier Henri Squire on Tuesday evening.
