Player features
Luca Van Assche, intellectual and mathematician
Learn more about the French
December 10, 2024
ATP Tour
Luca Van Assche appears in the latest of our Journey to Jeddah series.
Written by ATP Staff
Luca Van Assche has forged a unique path on and off the court, balancing the rigors of professional tennis with the challenges of studying college mathematics. The 20-year-old Frenchman excels in both areas.
While some players may choose to take a break during their short free time, Van Asche chose to continue his studies at Paris Dauphine University. As shown in our new Journey to Jeddah video series, it’s not uncommon for his online courses to be sandwiched between Van Assche’s training sessions.
“Even if I win 50 Grand Slams, I won’t be playing when I’m 60, so that’s why I keep going. I’m enjoying it too,” Van Assche said. “It’s difficult to do both. At the moment, I’m handling the matter appropriately.
The #NextGenATP star is building a career that’s about more than just rankings and trophies – it’s a journey to improve not just his on-court performance, but his off-court abilities as well.
“This is a very smart young man,” analyst Robbie Koenig said. “He actually studied college-level math. If your brain is like that, it’s only going to help you solve problems in tennis. To hear it, he’s more qualified than most.
One equation that Van Assche is likely to relish is the number of former players currently in the top 20 of the next generation ATP Finals presented by the PIF. The world No. 128 will aim to follow in those footsteps.
In fact, Van Asche, compatriot Arthur Fells and American Alex Michelson are aiming to compete in the 20-and-under category for the second time in a row, a feat only six have achieved Players completed, 4 of whom are currently in the top 20: Andrei Rublev, Alex De Minaur, Lorenzo Musetti and Frances Tiafoe.
“I want to do everything I can to win this match, and I hope I can do that,” said Van Assche, who finished sixth at the PIF ATP Jeddah Live event.
“When we look at the names of the players who are competing in the Next Generation ATP Finals, they are now very, very famous, very, very good players. It’s motivating to say, ‘OK, I’m on the right path.’
The Frenchman’s early successes – such as reaching the third round of this year’s Australian Open – have him setting his sights higher.
“My biggest goal is to dream big,” Van Assche said. “If you have no regrets and know you’ve done everything, I think that’s the most important thing to me.”
