Falling on Monday against his compatriot, Clément Chidekh in the second round of qualifying for the Open Occitanie, the 16-year-old blue nugget rose for the first time in his career in a big draw on the main circuit.
Moïse Kouamé signed his twelfth consecutive victory this Monday, following his titles on the ITF circuit (3e pro division) in Hazebrouck (North) then in Bressuire (Deux-Sèvres). Ranked 552nd player in the world and youngest player in the Top 1000, he reached a new milestone this Monday. He had rejected a match point in the third set of his first round match against Swede Elias Ymer, 175e world (6-4, 4-6, 7-5). Kouamé also went through a lot of emotions on Monday in Hérault in his snatched victory against Clément Chidekh (7-5, 6-7 [6]6-3) to access the big picture.
After missing three match points in the deciding game of the 2nd set, he threw his racket against advertising boards in frustration after losing the second set. A gesture of irritation punished by a warning. The young man quickly regained his composure, to master the last act. Rather comfortable in front of the dozen journalists for his first major press conference, the teenager returned to the incident and the emotional roller coaster: “All these match points, unfortunately, not converted to the 2e set, it was not easy to manage mentally. I still had to stay present in the third set, which I managed to do. So, I’m really glad I came out of it that way. But, of course, I would have liked to stay perhaps a little calmer. I’m learning and I hope that next time it will be better, attitude-wise. »
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A gesture of humor and an apology to the public
Microphone in hand, Kouame apologized after the winning match point: “I would really like to apologize for having this attitude. You have to understand me, there are a lot of emotions. Afterwards I tried to stay calm, there was nothing left to do. I’m lucky to have tomorrow to prove that I can do better in terms of attitude. » Proof of great maturity for a 16 year old kid: “I couldn’t leave this court without saying I was really sorry. It’s not the education my mother gave me, he then clarified at a press conference. I was really disappointed in myself. It’s never pleasant for spectators to witness this. For sure I’m going to have to work even more on this. I really had to remobilize myself to win this match and bounce back in the third set.”
The Parisian for its first in front of so many spectators, did not seem to be impressed by the Sud de France Arena and its 9,000 seats, nor by its first “true” press conference. “There was no more pressure than in other tournaments. I stayed in my bubble. The public supported me and I thank them. But for me, it’s really new. This press conference is the first time. I discover, I look, I analyze. For now, it’s just fun, just a bonus. I really need to make the most of it. »
5th youngest player of the 21st century to come out of qualifying
At 16 years and 333 days, the Frenchman became the fifth player to escape qualifying for a main circuit ATP tournament. In this closed circle, there is in particular a certain Rafael Nadal (16 years and 315 days in Monte-Carlo 2003). The earliest remaining is Richard Gasquet (15 years and 301 days in Monte-Carlo 2002). The latter now advises the new tricolor nugget. “He gave me advice for yesterday’s match and today’s match. With Richard, we were put in contact by my agent. He brings experience, tennis and mental. Tactically, he tries to guide me a little. I learn it every day with him, it’s really great to have him by my side.”
His future opponent, number 8 seed Aleksandar Kovacevic, finalist last year, has a one-handed backhand like the former French number one: “I didn’t know it, smiled the young man. I’m going to come up with a certain tactic. I hope to go as far as possible in the painting. On Wednesday, I will really have to stay in the present moment.” For perhaps a thirteenth consecutive victory…
