Balancing the demands of professional tennis with academics, 20-year-old Luca Van Assche manages to devote time to his mathematics studies at Paris Dauphine University. After competing in the US Open qualifiers, Van Assche returned to France, not for a break, but to face his exams. Education plays a crucial role in Van Assche’s life, influenced by his mother, a teacher of Italian.
“My mom always told me, ‘If you go to school, do well, and get good grades, then you can play tennis for as long as you want—two or four hours, it’s up to you. But schoolwork comes first,’” Van Assche recalled.
This balance between tennis and education keeps him well-rounded. “When you’re on the court all day, it’s nice to give your brain something else to think about. Of course, I want to have a great tennis career and win many titles, but I also want to explore other opportunities once my playing days are over.”
Already a three-time ATP Challenger Tour winner, Van Assche uses his platform to share his experiences as a professional athlete, all while continuing his academic journey.
Inspiring the Youth Through ‘Fête le Mur’
Ranked fifth at the PIF ATP Live Jeddah event, Van Assche is also an ambassador for ‘Fête le Mur,’ an initiative by the Yannick Noah Foundation that uses tennis to promote social inclusion. Throughout this year, he has been actively involved in various ‘Fête le Mur’ events, including the French Open, the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters 1000, and two ATP Challenger Tour tournaments in France.
These events have provided more than 100 young people the opportunity to meet the rising #NextGenATP star. Van Assche is passionate about the cause: “The association supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them guidance and opportunities. I’ve been involved since last March, and it’s amazing to see how much joy sports can bring to them. If I can help, I’m always more than happy to.”
Founded in 1996, ‘Fête le Mur’ grew out of Yannick Noah’s vision to use tennis as a tool for education and inclusion. Noah, a former world No. 3, was discovered by Arthur Ashe at a tennis clinic in Cameroon and now seeks to pass on similar opportunities to underprivileged children. The organization focuses on teaching valuable life skills through tennis, including teamwork, education, and civic responsibility.
Last year, Van Assche attended the launch of a new playground in Roubaix, where he met and played with local kids. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “They were so excited to meet me. I talked to them, answered their questions, and even gave them some gifts from my brand. It was a special moment, and they were thrilled.”
