Teen Sensation Moise Kouame Rises at French Open

French teenager Moise Kouame hailed Carlos Alcaraz for inspiring him after advancing to the French Open third round. Kouame, a 17-year-old wild card entrant, survived a nearly five-hour match against Vallejo. He attributes his victory to Alcaraz's insights, displaying resilience on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

French teen sensation Moise Kouame credited tennis star Carlos Alcaraz for inspiring his dramatic advance to the French Open third round. Kouame, only 17 and ranked 318th in the world, amazed in his debut Grand Slam, a wild card entry, by overcoming Paraguayan Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in an epic match lasting almost five hours on Thursday.

The young Frenchman is now the fifth-youngest male player to reach the third round at Roland Garros since 1968. Reflecting on his comeback from a 5-2 deficit in the fifth set, Kouame revealed Alcaraz’s influence. "You must believe in yourself and never give up," he quoted the Spaniard, who won last year's French Open final.

Despite Carlos Alcaraz missing this year's contest due to injury, Kouame showcased extraordinary composure and resilience. After Vallejo's comeback evened the score, Kouame held steady and clinched the match on a daring serve-and-volley. The packed French crowd at Court Suzanne Lenglen cheered him on as he secured his first five-set victory. Next, he faces Alejandro Tabilo of Chile.