Arthur Ashe was touring Africa when he saw the boy play. In 1971, during a visit to Yaoundé, Cameroon, the American champion noticed an eleven-year-old with an unusual talent and recommended him to the French tennis federation. Twelve years later, Yannick Noah won the French Open, and France had a new hero.
Family
Noah was born in 1960 in Sedan, France. His father, Zacharie Noah, was a Cameroonian footballer who played for Sedan, and his mother, Marie-Claire, was French. The family moved to Cameroon when Yannick was a child.
Discovered by Ashe
After Ashe’s recommendation, Noah moved to France to train. He developed an athletic, attacking style built around his serve and volley.
The 1983 French Open
In June 1983, Noah beat Mats Wilander in the French Open final at Roland Garros. He became the first Frenchman to win the title since 1946, and as of today he remains the last French man to win a Grand Slam singles title. The image of him running to embrace his father became famous in France.
Doubles
Noah was also an excellent doubles player and won the French Open doubles title with Henri Leconte in 1984.
Davis Cup captain
As captain, Noah led France to Davis Cup victories in 1991 and 1996, and again in 2017. He also captained France’s Fed Cup team to victory.
The singer
After tennis, Noah became a successful pop and reggae singer. His albums sold millions in France, and songs such as “Saga Africa” became party favourites.
Popularity
Noah has regularly topped polls of France’s most popular personalities. His charity work, especially for children through his association Fête le Mur, added to his appeal.
Joakim Noah
His son Joakim Noah became an NBA star with the Chicago Bulls and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2014.
Cameroon
Noah has kept close ties to Cameroon, where he spends time and where his father lived until his death in 2017.
Style
Noah played with flair, rushing the net and diving for volleys. His dreadlocks and showmanship made him one of the most recognisable players of the 1980s, and he reached a career-high ranking of world number three in 1986.
Arthur Ashe saw an eleven-year-old in Yaoundé and made one phone call. France is still waiting for another man to do what that boy did in 1983.
