Teenager Moise Kouame was knocked out of the Miami Open in the second round, bringing an end to his first ATP Masters 1000 campaign.
The French 17-year-old became the youngest player since Rafael Nadal to claim a main-draw win at a Masters event when he emerged victorious in his first-round clash with Zachary Svajda.
Kouame, who received a wildcard for this year’s edition of the Miami Open, ultimately fell in the second round to Jiri Lehecka, losing 6-2, 7-5.
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He is coached by compatriot Richard Gasquet, who retired from professional tennis in May last season.
There is plenty of hype surrounding Kouame, however, former American player Steve Johnson wants to see him pick up some more wins before getting too excited.
Steve Johnson discusses Moise Kouame’s results at the Miami Open
Speaking on the ‘Nothing Major‘ podcast, Johnson said of Kouame: “Look, I mean, he’s a great tennis player. He’s already got a couple of ATP wins now. He did it in France.
“But if he semis here in Miami and then has like a good run, like maybe gets a wildcard in Monte Carlo and does well there, right, then you can start being like, okay, he’s ready.
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“But for the time being, he’s 17, and he looks incredible. Like, you know, zero chance I was doing this anywhere near 17 years old.
“So it’s amazing to see what he’s able to accomplish. He seems poised and ready for the moment.”
Steve Johnson praises Miami Open wildcards
A number of wildcards enjoyed first-round victories at the Miami Open this year, which Johnson said is rare at Masters tournaments.
He explained: “And I will say generally for the tournament’s sake, the wildcards are kind of throwaways at these events, and that was not the case.
“I mean, you had Martin Damm win his match as a wild card. Darwin Blanch won his match. There’s this Moise Kouame.
“And then there was one other, I’m drawing a blank on the wildcard, but a lot of wildcards won their first round matches, which is not normal.
“I think in these big Masters 1000s, because generally they’re young IMG talent, and it’s kind of people getting ready for the stage. So really impressive win though, for sure.”
Kouame’s conqueror, Lehecka, will take on American home hope Ethan Quinn in the next round of the Miami Open.
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