Born in 2009, agile, explosive, technically clean, and gritty: this is the profile of Moise Kouame, who, after entering the top 600 in the world at 17, has just made it to the main draw of an ATP event, doing so at almost the same age as big names like Alcaraz and Nadal. He’s not an adult yet, but his ideas are super clear: “I want to work hard because I know that one day I will be world number 1,” he told the ATP Tour microphones. Let’s discover this raw diamond together.
FROM IVORY COAST TO PARIS
His father was born in Ivory Coast and, like many compatriots, decided to move to France to try his luck. It’s right around Paris that Kouame starts playing at 6 years old with his brother Michael, and it’s also there that he is discovered by champion Justine Henin, who convinces his family to allow him to train at her academy. During this crucial phase of his junior career, two very important things happen.
First, Kouame hones his technique, making his movements as relaxed as possible, following in Sinner’s footsteps. This work is the foundation of his incredibly powerful shots, with serves already exceeding 210 km/h and jumping forehands around 160 km/h. On top of that, the experience at Henin’s academy allowed the young Frenchman to meet Mouratoglou. The world-famous coach not only invited Kouame to train in Nice several times but also introduced his current coach Richard Gasquet and manager Gael Monfils, two prominent names in modern French tennis.
FEW JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS: AN EARLY JUMP TO THE PROS
Despite some good results among his peers, including the doubles win at the Petits As in 2023 and the singles final at the Orange Bowl in 2024, Kouame decided to focus as early as possible on climbing the senior rankings. In fact, his Challenger-level debut came at just 15 years old in 2024, and last year he started taking things seriously: reaching the final at the ITF M15 in Sharm El Sheikh and then winning doubles in December at the M15 in Monastir.
His 2026 got off to an even better start, with victories at the M25 in Hazebrouk and the M15 in Bressuire. These excellent results didn’t go unnoticed by the organizers of the Montpellier 250, who invited him to take part in the qualifiers. Kouame returned the favor, first beating Elias Ymer 6-4 4-6 7-5 and then Chidekh 7-5 6-7 6-3. In doing so, he became the first player born in 2009 to qualify for an ATP tournament, and even though he lost to Kovacevic 7-6 2-6 2-6, he definitely got people talking.
KOUAME, FILS AND CAZAUX: A FRANCE THAT IS REBORN
With the gradual retirement of the four musketeers (Simon, Tsonga, Gasquet, and Monfils), France was left without players to rely on. Now, though, it’s time to talk about a revival. Fils, whom we had already spoken very highly of, is back after a back injury and wants to make his way among the top players in this sport. Cazaux has shown that he has great style, even if he hasn’t yet achieved outstanding results.
And then there’s Moise Kouame, the archetype of the modern tennis player. Acceleration, recovery, great touch: a complete game that, if refined, could become lethal for any player. And what if, the infamous third player to slot between Alcaraz and Sinner, was actually him?
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