Teen sensation reveals Novak Djokovic text after breaking Rafael Nadal's record in historic Miami Open victory

Moise Kouame broke Rafael Nadal's record, by becoming the youngest player to win a Masters 1000 match. Nadal did it at the Hamburg Open in 2003.

Published on: Mar 20, 2026, 20:31:33 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Moise Kouame scripted history recently, defeating Zachary Svajda in the first round at the Miami Open. The 17-year-old became the first player born in 2009 or later to win an ATP Tour match. The French teen also received a text message from his idol, Novak Djokovic, congratulating him on his win.

A French teenager broke Rafael Nadal's record and received a text from Novak Djokovic after his historic win. (AFP )

Against Svajda, Kouame lost the first set, but then fought back to eventually clinch a 5-7 6-4 6-4 victory. The win in the first round also saw him break Rafael Nadal's record, by becoming the youngest player to win a Masters 1000 match. Nadal did it at the Hamburg Open in 2003.

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Speaking to Tennis Channel, Kouame said, "I have a small secret… After the win, Novak [Djokovic] texted me."

"I’m so nervous, I don’t know what to answer. He texted me something like: 'Big match today. Congrats. Hopefully you will go far.’

"Maybe [I should reply]: ‘Thank you, Novak. Thank you, my idol.’ No… I don’t know! Imagine having your idol DM you like this… It’s the coolest thing ever."

Kouame is currently ranked 385th in the ATP rankings and is the youngest player inside the top 900. He made his ATP Tour debut earlier this season and already has bagged two ITF World Tennis Tour titles.

"It’s huge, [My] first main draw at a Masters 1000 here in Miami - it’s such a cool place. I’m really happy to win that match today, and hopefully I can win many more," he said

”It’s my first time, so I didn’t expect all of this, but here I am. I need to get used to it pretty fast. It brings me a lot of confidence. It shows me that I’m on the right path. I just need to keep working.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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