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One of Rafael Nadal’s incredible all-time records was almost just broken by a 17-year-old

Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images
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The Miami Open has just started, and already the tournament has seen an incredible story unfold.

Moise Kouame, aged just 17, clinched his very first win at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament in his main-draw debut at the competition.

Kouame came back from a set down to defeat qualifier Zachary Svajda, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, and advance to the second round.

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The French teenager is coached by Richard Gasquet, who retired from professional tennis in May last year.

With his victory, Kouame came close to breaking an ATP record currently held by the legendary Rafael Nadal.

Moise Kouame in action.
Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images

Moise Kouame becomes youngest since Rafael Nadal to achieve feat

At 17 years and 13 days, Kouame became the youngest player to win an ATP Masters 1000 main draw match since Nadal in 2003.

The Spaniard set the record at 16 years and 343 days that year at the Hamburg Open, where he picked up an iconic first-round victory over his compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Nadal beat Ferrero in straight sets that day, before bowing out of the tournament in the second round to Gaston Gaudio.

Now, 13 years later, a new teenage sensation has come along in the form of Kouame, who has been competing largely at challenger and ITF events up until this point.

Moise Kouame hits a backhand.
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images

Moise Kouame says his goal is to be the world number one

Kouame is incredibly early on in his career, but he already has a huge goal in mind for the future.

As per the ATP Tour website, he said: “My goal is to be World No. 1 and win lots of Grand Slam [titles]. This is what I am training for.”

Asked how he got into tennis, Kouame explained: “Watching my brother play, I just wanted to play, so I grabbed a racquet.

“My idol was Novak Djokovic growing up. I was just so amazed when I was watching him play, his style and resilience was just unbelievable.”

Kouame will take on 21st seed Jiri Lehecka next at the Miami Open.