Luca Van Assche was competing in his first ATP Tour final at the Millennium Estoril Open on Sunday, but that did not stop the 22-year-old from clinching the crown.
Van Assche battled past Alexander Blockx 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in two hours and 24 minutes to lift his first ATP Tour trophy. The Frenchman is up 30 spots to No. 48 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and will rise to a career high on Monday.
After securing his biggest career trophy, the 22-year-old reflected on his week in Estoril and much more in an exclusive interview with ATPTour.com.
What does it mean to win your first ATP Tour title?
I am very happy to win my first ATP title. It was a very long and difficult road. But I am super proud of how I managed all the games this week.
What helped you get to this point?
I just worked very hard the last few weeks and months. And I knew that I had a great level coming into this tournament. I just tried to be focused on my game. I tried continuing to hold on in all the matches. I think I did great this week.
You broke into the Top 100 at 18 years old and now you have won your first title. What is the biggest lesson you have learned during that time?
It was about three or four years ago. I have learned a lot. I had a lot of experiences since then because, of course, when I was a kid, I was new. And now I have the experience that I had during the three years since the time I came into the Top 100. I learnt a lot about my game, myself and how to deal with my emotions on the court. I think it is a great step.
You began the year at No. 166 and with this win you’re in the Top 50. What has been the biggest key to your rise this year?
I have a good team to work with very well. Not just for the big moments but also for the whole year. The key was to enjoy myself, to play matches, to be focused on my game and not only on the result. I did great to come back into the Top 100 and I want to continue that way.
What are your biggest interests outside of tennis?
I love a lot of things. I love music. I love football. I love sports in general. I watch a lot of sports. Other than that, I love to spend time with my friends and family and also my girlfriend.
If you were not a tennis player, what do you think you would be and why?
I think I would study. And then I would get a nice job, hopefully. I love mathematics and doing lessons of mathematics. So I think I would have done the same. And I don’t know what job I would get after pursuing that, but maybe that is what I would have done.
How would you describe yourself both on the court and off the court?
Off the court, I am pretty calm. A very happy person. On the court a bit different. I always want to win. I am very competitive. I want to win every point and just go for it.
How will you celebrate this title?
Tomorrow I will go to see my family to enjoy this moment with them.
© Copyright 1994 - 2026 ATP Tour, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc.. Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Community Social Media Policy | Modern Slavery Statement | Feedback | Cookies | Your Privacy Choices 
