Next Gen ATP Finals
Van Assche repeated SF and Jeddah
The Frenchman joins Michelsen as Red Group semi-finalists
December 20, 2024
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Luca Van Assche reaches the semifinals with a 2-1 record in the Red Group.
By ATP Editorial Board
Luca Van Assche achieved a victory worth a semi-final at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF. The 20-year-old Frenchman beat Nishesh Basavareddy this Friday in a duel in which both had options 3-4(2), 4-3(7), 4-2, 4-2.
The No. 128 in the PIF ATP Rankings managed to turn the match around, recovering from a set down and a set point in the tie-break of the second to tie the match.
From there, the Frenchman took control against the American to get his ticket to the semifinals, where the winner of the Blue Group, Joao Fonseca, awaits him.
“It was very, very tight. I think I played at a good level. The start was difficult but I managed to play better,” said Van Assche. “I handled my emotions well, especially when I was at my worst. I would like to thank the audience because it was full and they encouraged me a lot. “I am ready for the semi-finals.”
Van Assche, who lost in the semifinals last year in Jeddah, is the fifth player to repeat his presence among the four best in the history of the tournament. 2023 finalist Arthur Fils could join his compatriot if he can beat Learner Tien.
Twice semi-finalists at the Next Gen ATP Finals
In an entertaining match, Van Assche used the video review used in the U20 tournament to his advantage in the second set. Basavareddy went up to the net and hit a winning volley, but upon review it was determined that the American had struck twice.
Van Assche finishes the Red Group with a 2-1 record, losing only to leader Alex Michelsen. The Frenchman culminated his victory this Friday with 31 winners compared to Basavareddy’s 15 and committed 15 fewer unforced errors (22-37) in the two hours that the match lasted.
Basavareddy finished the season in form, winning two ATP Challenger Tour titles since October that saw him qualify for Jeddah. At 19, he also achieved his first ATP Tour victory against Shang in Jeddah.
Source: https://www.atptour.com/es/news/ngaf-2024-viernes-van-assche-basavareddy
