“There’s a bit of Djokovic, there’s a bit of Sinner, there’s a bit of Alcaraz" - 16-year-old talent draws interesting comparisons amid Challenge Tour history

16-year-old Moise Kouame is set to have a glorious and long career in tennis if he is able to fulfil what is already a very high potential placed by many after he made his debut on the ATP Tour. He is full of confidence, boldly stating that parts of his game resembles some of the best players in the world.

The Frenchman has already started to make an impact in the sport despite his young age. He won his first ITF title at the start of the year in an M25 event in Hazebrouck, France. He then backed it up with another title following on from the first success, this time a M15 tournament in Bressuire, France.

He then defied the odds and managed to qualify for the Open Occitanie, an indoor hardcourt event in his home country. The likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Arthur Fils and Ugo Humbert among other star-studded ATP talents. He became the sixth youngest player to compete on the ATP Tour.

Kouame defeated Elias Ymer and Clement Chidekh in three sets to qualify for the event. He made his mark against the sixth seed Aleksandar Kovacevic, taking the first set in dramatic circumstances. He was unable to hold on and complete the victory, losing the final two sets 6-2 as he was brough back down to earth by the American who progressed, but all the talking was focused on him as he became the first player born in 2009 to feature in an ATP main draw.

The hype continues to surround him as he made more history recently as he won his maiden Challenger match, defeating Matej Dodig 6-4, 6-2 in just over 90 minutes. This proved to be hugely significant as he becomes the youngest player to win a Challenger contest, the first to win while being born in 2009, and will officially enter the top 500 of the ATP rankings thanks to his heroics in Lille.

After the victory, Kouame spoke to the media. He spoke about his game and drew some fascinating comparisons. “There’s a bit of Gael [Monfils], there’s a bit of Djokovic, there’s a bit of Sinner, there’s a bit of Alcaraz… and above all, there’s a bit of Moise Kouame,” Kouame was quoted as saying by L’Equipe (translated from French).

“That’s the most important thing. I’m attached to my identity, my own identity. Later, I hope in 10-20 years, young players will be able to say that there’s a bit of Kouame in their game. That’s really the identity I want to create little by little.”

The process to winning a first Challenger match was not an easy one. “It’s never easy. I don’t think the score really reflects reality,” Kouame said. “The first set was incredibly close. He broke me first; he was playing really well. I didn’t know him at all. We had a certain strategy before the match, and it worked. I managed to pull it off, so I’m really happy. You could say it was a good match in terms of objectives and game plan. I’m really pleased to be able to string together these good matches week after week. It shows that hard work pays off.”

He is willing to learn and improve as he rises the ranks, but more than anything to enjoy himself competing in the sport he loves. “There are many, in tennis. To improve, to enjoy myself on the court, to smile, to have fun,” he commented. "After that, I have other goals set with the team, but it’s really about having fun and winning as many matches as possible.”

Kouame's next matchup in Lille will come against the world number 246 Joel Schwaerzler in the last-16 of the tournament.