Moïse Kouamé returned to winning ways on the ATP Tour with an impressive victory over Lorenzo Sonego at the ATP 250 Lyon Open. The 17-year-old Frenchman defeated the former world No. 21 7-6(2), 6-4 on Monday, showing composure in the key moments to secure his place in the second round.
The result was particularly significant for Kouamé, who had not won a main-draw match on the ATP Tour since his breakthrough run at Roland Garros in May. Competing in front of a home crowd, the world No. 194 produced a controlled performance against an opponent with considerably more experience at the highest level.
Kouamé will now face another major test when he takes on Italian sixth seed Lorenzo Musetti in the second round. Musetti advanced by defeating compatriot Matteo Arnaldi 6-1, 6-4, setting up a first meeting between the two players and giving the French teenager an opportunity to build on his latest performance.
The teenager has already demonstrated his potential on one of tennis' biggest stages. At Roland Garros earlier this year, he won his first two matches in a Grand Slam main draw before Alejandro Tabilo ended his run in the third round.
Kouamé explains why France suits him well
Kouamé's win over Sonego was built on his ability to handle pressure. After taking the opening set in a tiebreak, he maintained his level in the second and secured the decisive break to close out the match in straight sets. He also saved all five break points he faced, underlining the composure that has become an important part of his game.
The Frenchman has often benefited from playing in front of home supporters, and he acknowledged that the atmosphere in Lyon helped him through the difficult moments. Speaking to L'Équipe, Kouamé explained why competing in France has been particularly rewarding during his early steps on the professional circuit.
"A win here, at home I'd say, definitely feels even better," he said. "The crowd was great with me. They really lifted me in the toughest moments of this match. When I play in France, it's an atmosphere that truly helps me. I'm someone who likes to receive good energy, positive energy."
Moise Kouame celebrating point at the Open Occitanie 2026
Kouamé added that the connection with French crowds had been apparent even when he was less familiar to tennis fans, but recognised that learning to generate the same energy elsewhere would be important as his career develops.
"In France, I've really found it at every tournament I've played, even early in the year, when I was unknown. France suits me well. I'd say the energy I have with the French crowd is more natural. Of course, I need to try to find that kind of energy elsewhere, and create it on my own. But that will definitely come with time and experience."
Roland Garros breakthrough gives Kouamé confidence for Musetti test
Kouamé's progress this season was particularly evident at Roland Garros, where he made an immediate impression on his Grand Slam main-draw debut. He opened with a straight-sets victory over former US Open champion Marin Čilić before producing a remarkable comeback against Paraguay's Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the second round.
After winning the first two sets, Kouamé lost the next two and found himself trailing 5-2 in the deciding set. He recovered to force a super tiebreak and eventually prevailed 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(8) after four hours and 56 minutes, becoming the youngest player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Rafael Nadal in 2003.
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His run ended against Chilean Alejandro Tabilo, who won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(9). Kouamé saved four match points in the fourth-set tiebreak but could not force a deciding fifth set. Despite the defeat, his performances in Paris marked a major milestone in his development and demonstrated his ability to compete in demanding matches against established professionals.
The Lyon victory was his first main-draw win on the ATP Tour since that memorable French Open campaign. He now faces a different challenge against Musetti, the world No. 26 and a far more experienced opponent. For Kouamé, the match offers another opportunity to measure his progress against an established name while continuing to build on the momentum generated by his breakthrough season.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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