Home favorite Moïse Kouamé has made waves at the 2026 French Open with his heroics in a thrilling second-round contest. The 17-year-old impressed former world No. 1 Andy Roddick with his performance, although the circumstances surrounding Kouamé’s Roland Garros payout earned the American’s ire.
Why Andy Roddick Is Baffled by Moïse Kouamé’s French Open Prize Money Situation
After receiving a wildcard into the main draw of the Major, Kouamé opened his campaign with a stellar 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-1 win over Marin Čilić. The Frenchman appeared set for another straightforward victory against Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the second round after winning the first two sets, but Vallejo raised his level to force a decider.
The Paraguayan then rushed to a 5-2 lead in the crucial fifth set, but Kouamé drew inspiration from Carlos Alcaraz and refused to give up. He fought back to secure a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6[10-8] victory after a 4-hour, 56-minute battle, making it the longest match of this year’s French Open.
With his win, the 17-year-old became the youngest man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Rafael Nadal at the 2003 Wimbledon Championships. The triumph also guaranteed him a €187,000 ($217,603) payday, with the figure set to rise if he continues his dream run in Paris.
During a recent episode of his “Served” podcast, Andy Roddick expressed admiration for Kouamé’s grit and highlighted his immense star quality.
“Third round of a grand slam at 17 years old. Like we don’t see that anymore. 17, playing a five setter. I wasn’t ready to play a 5-setter at 17 and I went through the ranks pretty quickly. Playing that five setter but also winning the first two sets then losing and sticking with it and white knuckling that thing to the finish line. Props. There’s a million star qualities. He’s fun to watch. He’s f**king cool looking. The way he plays is sweet. Gets so swaggy,” Roddick said.
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The American’s co-host Mike Hayden then brought up the “crazy” situation surrounding Kouamé’s French Open prize money, explaining that the earnings would reportedly be placed in a trust until he turns 18 in March 2027.
“You know something crazy? He can’t even collect his winnings because he’s not 18 yet. There’s a French law that he can’t collect the prize money until he turns 18,” he said. “It’s like in a trust.”
The former world No. 1 was baffled by the “absurd” rule as he asked for clarification on the legalities involved.
“What the f**k is that? You So you have a job. You make money and they won’t give you money. I guess I need some clarification on that. If anyone knows what we’re talking about or what Mike’s talking about? Can we get some clarification on that? That’s seems absurd to me,” Roddick said. “Well, he has endorsements. He can’t take that money?”
After his co-host looked up the details and confirmed that the restriction stems from provisions in the French Civil Code regarding minors, Roddick argued that Kouamé’s earnings should at least accrue interest if they were to be withheld.
“Yeah. Under French law, minors are not allowed to receive or spend prize money or significant earnings directly. Instead, their earnings are legally protected to prevent exploitation,” Hayden said.
“I mean, he better be getting a f**king interest rate while the government keeps that back. I’ll tell you that much right now,” Roddick responded.
Moïse Kouamé will take on Alejandro Tabilo in the third round of the French Open. Tabilo will have the advantage of being well-rested for the contest after receiving a walkover from Valentin Vacherot in the second round. If Kouamé triumphs over the Chilean, he will face Félix Auger-Aliassime or Brandon Nakashima in a blockbuster fourth-round clash.
