Kouamé, after making history at Roland Garros: "The most important is yet to come"

Pedro de Pablos | 26 May 2026 | 15.19

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Moise Kouamé has made history at Roland Garros 2026 by defeating Marin Cilic in his debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam and becoming the youngest player since 1991 to win a match in the tournament. Additionally, he becomes the second youngest French player to do so. In the subsequent press conference, the new French talent spoke about it.

In the days leading up to the tournament, it was said that Kouamé was going through a small results crisis, and perhaps feeling the pressure on his shoulders with all eyes of the French public on him. However, the French tennis player has shown that he thrives in these scenarios, defeating former Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic in three sets. Undoubtedly, a statement of intent before facing Cameron Norrie or Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the second round.

Kouamé talks about the importance of public support at Roland Garros

Youngest player to win at a Grand Slam in 17 years

Yes, well, it's a good achievement, I would say. But, yes, first and foremost, I'm very happy with the level I showed today, although of course, I aim for more. All the training paid off, I would say. The most important part is yet to come, so now I focus on recovering and being as well-prepared as possible for the next round.

Public support

It gives me a lot of energy, positive energy, in difficult moments and in stressful times. Having the public with me is of great help, of course. They helped me a lot to secure breaks, to win the set. So I am very thankful for that.

How to prepare for such a match

Well, I think Miami helped me a bit, because a Masters 1000 tournament is also a big competition. Last year, where I played the qualifying rounds, of course, that helped me. I already knew the atmosphere I was going to experience or hear on the court. Yes, Roland Garros, Miami, Monte Carlo... I think they are important tournaments that require some experience. Today worked out wonderfully, so I am very happy with the decisions we made together.

Strong mindset despite being 17 years old

Well, it's due to the training. I knew I had put in many hours training, so the tactics were also clear for the match. If I played and lost, it was okay, I had other tournaments. Obviously, playing against a former Grand Slam champion also relaxed me, in a way. I knew it was going to be a great match, a good match. Additionally, I knew I also had the team supporting me. I had the public, a different public... Many elements contributed to my relaxation. That's what happened, so we are happy.

Preparation before the match

I felt well-prepared. I was ready. We worked a lot on tactics, on how to approach the match with my team. I also practiced a lot on this court yesterday, and last year I also practiced and played here. I was somewhat familiar with the atmosphere and the audience present today. As I said, the experience I gained in Miami, Monte Carlo, and also in Montpellier probably helped me, because in Montpellier the atmosphere was good too. So, in terms of tennis, I felt quite relaxed, quite calm. I felt good with my serve, with my forehand... I knew if I lost the match, it wouldn't be stressful, truth be told. I just wanted to go out and have fun, and that's what I managed to do. Now that I have won, it's even better, but if I hadn't won today, at least I would have had fun. After all, that's what matters most.

Age doesn't matter

After all, I am 17 years old and have won a Grand Slam match. I don't think my opponent today was thinking: "Oh, he's 17 years old!". They were trying to play their best, and so was I. I didn't care about their age. I just wanted to hit them with the most challenging shots possible. So, for some, age may be a factor, but as far as I'm concerned, I tried to focus and not think about it, because in the end, when you're on the court, you don't think about your age or what you're going to eat. You think about what you need to do to win.

Gasquet's help in managing all the media attention

Yes, for now, everything is going well, very well. I am happy in my life, in my tennis life and in my sports life in general.
I don't want to talk about Richard's past. He had his past; I have my present. What's the use of telling you whether we talk about it or not? This is my preparation, and as I have said time and time again, I have prepared well and I am proud of it. I am happy with this. Once again, the most important thing is my recovery for the next round.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kouamé, tras hacer historia en Roland Garros: "Lo más importante está por venir"

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