The Open Sud de France 2026, held at the Sud de France Arena in Montpellier, delivered an electrifying Day 3 filled with debuts, comebacks, and historic moments. Tennis fans were treated to a mix of emerging talent and seasoned pros battling it out on the indoor hard courts. The highlight reel from Tennis TV captured the essence of the action, showcasing four key matches that had everyone talking. From a 16-year-old French sensation making his ATP Tour debut to veterans defying age and odds, here’s a deep dive into the day’s drama.
Moise Kouame’s Impressive Debut Against Aleksandar Kovacevic
All eyes were on 16-year-old French wildcard Moise Kouame, who made his ATP Tour main draw debut with remarkable poise. Facing the eighth-seeded American Aleksandar Kovacevic, Kouame showed no signs of nerves, unleashing powerful forehands, aces, and running shots that had commentators buzzing. “Absolutely no sign of any nerves here from Kouame,” noted the broadcast, as the young phenom claimed the first set in a tiebreak, 7-6(5).
However, Kovacevic, displaying veteran composure, turned the tide. He broke back in the second set and dominated with precise play, winning 6-2, 6-2. “It’s pretty hard not to be impressed with what we’ve seen,” the commentators said of Kouame’s performance, even in defeat. This match marks Kouame as a name to watch, having become one of the youngest qualifiers on the ATP Tour earlier in the week.
Stan Wawrinka’s Historic Victory Over Hamad Medjedovic
At 40 years old and in his farewell season, Swiss legend Stan Wawrinka proved he’s still got it. Taking on Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic, Wawrinka delivered a masterclass in patient, aggressive tennis. He used drop shots, crosscourt backhands, and net play to secure breaks, winning 7-6(3), 6-4. This victory marked Wawrinka’s 586th career win and made him the oldest man to record a tour-level win indoors (outside Davis Cup) since Ken Rosewall in 1980.
“40 years old and still able to cover the court as if he’s a 20-year-old,” the commentators marveled. Wawrinka’s performance was a testament to his enduring skill, with “another absolute screamer” of a shot highlighting his dominance. This win sets up an intriguing showdown with Felix Auger-Aliassime in the next round.
Adrian Mannarino’s Epic Comeback Against Ugo Humbert
In a nail-biting all-French clash, 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino staged a stunning comeback against fifth seed Ugo Humbert. Down a set and facing three match points at 5-4 in the third, Mannarino saved them all with “ridiculous” plays and lethal precision. He forced a tiebreak and clinched the match 6-7(4), 6-3, 7-6(4) after nearly three hours of intense rallies, break points, and drama.
“What a comeback from Mannarino. What a match. What drama. So many twists and turns,” the highlights captured perfectly. Mannarino’s resilience shone through, advancing him to face the winner of Arthur Gea vs. Tomas Machac.
Arthur Gea’s Clean Win as Tomas Machac Retires
Frenchman Arthur Gea delivered an immaculate performance against third seed Tomas Machac from Czechia. Gea showcased beautiful touch, aggressive volleys, and strong serving, taking the first set 6-3. Machac, despite solid defense, struggled with an injury and retired in the second set at 3-5 (or similar, per highlights).
“What an immaculate set of tennis there. Beautiful touch. Featherlike touch from Gea,” the commentary praised. This victory propels the 20-year-old Gea into the spotlight, setting up a potential all-French quarterfinal.
Wrapping Up Day 3: A Blend of Youth and Experience
Day 3 at the Open Sud de France 2026 was a perfect showcase of tennis’s generational appeal. Young talents like Kouame and Gea brought fresh energy, while veterans Wawrinka and Mannarino reminded us why experience matters. With injuries and upsets adding unpredictability, the tournament is heating up.
