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Intellect and mathematician Luca Van Assche
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December 10, 2024
ATP Tour
Luca Van Assche makes his second appearance in Jeddah.
Written by ATP Staff
Luca Van Assche is carving a unique path on and off the court, balancing the rigors of professional tennis with the challenges of studying college-level math. And the 20-year-old Frenchman excels at both.
While some players might choose to rest during their short free time, Van Assche decided to study at Paris Dauphine University. As seen in the new ‘Journey To Jeddah’ video series, it is not uncommon for Van Assche’s online classes to slot in between his training sessions.
“I kept going because even if I won 50 Grand Slams, I wouldn’t be playing when I was 60. I’m enjoying it too,” Van Assche said. “It’s difficult to do both. “I’m organizing it well now.”
#NextGenATP The star’s career is about more than just earning rankings and trophies. It’s a journey to improve not only your on-court performance but also your off-court abilities.
“This is a very intelligent young man,” said analyst Robbie Koenig. “The fact that he studies college-level math. If your brain is wired that way, it will only help you solve problems when playing tennis. Between the ears, he deserves it more than most people.”
One of the equations that Van Assche may like is the number of previous participants in the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF who are currently ranked in the top 20. The PIF ATP ranked world number 128, a semi-finalist in Jeddah last year, is trying to follow in those footsteps.
In fact, Van Assche, compatriot Arthur Fils and American Alex Michelsen are aiming for a second successive appearance in the Under-20 event. This is a feat achieved by only six players, four of whom are currently ranked in the top 20. Andrei Rublev, Alex de Minaur, Lorenzo Musetti, Francis Tiafoe.
“I want to do everything to win this tournament and I hope so,” said Van Assche, who finished sixth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah.
“If you look at the names of the players at the Next Gen ATP Finals, they are now very famous and very good players. It’s motivating to say, ‘Okay, I’m on the right track.’”
The Frenchman’s early successes, such as reaching the third round of this year’s Australian Open, have allowed him to aim high.
“My biggest goal is to dream big,” Van Assche said. “I think that’s the most important thing to me, to know that I did everything without regrets.”
