Estoril Open
Luca Van Assche will climb into the Top 50 in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time on Monday.
By Sam Jacot
Luca Van Assche captured his first ATP Tour title on Sunday at the Millennium Estoril Open, where he battled past Alexander Blockx, who was also competing in his maiden tour-level final.
In an engaging championship match at the ATP 250 clay-court event, Van Assche recovered from squandering a 5-3 lead in the third set to eventually prevail 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in two hours and 24 minutes.
Blockx saved two match points in his opening round against Kyrian Jacquet and then rallied from 2-4 down in the third set against Luciano Darderi in the semi-finals. However, there was not one final rescue act from the 21-year-old, with Van Assche staying mentally stable and increasing his aggression on the forehand to end the Belgian’s resistance.
“It was an incredible week for me,” Van Assche said during the trophy ceremony. “It started on Monday and I played a three-hour, 30-minute match. I am proud of all my matches here. It was very difficult and exhausting, so I am very proud to be the winner this week.”
Van Assche, who won four of his five matches in three sets, smiled to his box after sealing victory when Blockx could only find the net with a forehand. The Frenchman then returned to court, embracing his coach and the lively crowd.
Van Assche is up 30 spots to No. 48 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and will rise to a career high on Monday. The 22-year-old is the ninth player born in 2004 or later to win a tour-level trophy, with countryman Arthur Fils leading the way with four crowns.
“I want to thank my team, Seb, who is here with me, and everyone that is at home,” Van Assche added. “Without them, it would not be possible to stand here, so thanks to everyone who is here with me during my journey.”
Van Assche, who upset top seed Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals, is the second French player to triumph in Estoril, joining 2015 champion Richard Gasquet.
The Frenchman is the 10th first-time tour-level champion this year, joining the most recent winner Quentin Halys, who overcame Alexander Bublik in the Kitzbühel final on Saturday. In 2025, there were nine first-time winners.
Did You Know?
Sunday’s meeting between 22-year-old Van Assche and 21-year-old Blockx was the first ATP Tour final between players born in 2004 or later.
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