LIVE Van Assche - Shelton: France suffers, Van Assche pushed into a third set... Follow the match with us...

Luca Van Assche faces Ben Shelton in the semi-final of the Masters 1000 in Paris, this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Plénitude Arena. A meeting to follow on “20 Minutes”, France Télévisions and Eurosport.

The Frenchman, author of an incredible week after notably releasing Learner Tien and Lorenzo Musetti, is at this stage of the competition for the first time.

Still 338th player in the world at the end of the 2025 season, Van Assche has won several Challenger tournaments this season and will be, at least, 33rd in the ATP on Monday.

FIRST SET FOR VAN ASSCHE 7-5! ROAD TO THE FINAL!

Well, Shelton looks a little upset to me. He has just settled this first game by doubling his power and will therefore be in the lead in this second round.

As soon as the exchanges last a little, Shelton is often the first to break down.

What a superb point, with an imperial defense, this time from Shelton, who attempts the cushioning. Van Assche fails to put it back. Gorgeous.

Hanging on to his throw, Luca Van Assche remains solid and manages to equalize at 1-1 with a winning service.

The impression that Shelton is repeating the recipe that worked well at the start of the first set, where he was very conquering behind his serve. 2-1 for the American.

Luca Van Assche even has the net with him! Nothing can happen to him anymore!

So, if we can criticize a little: we would like the Habs to reach out to the public, to ignite this Arena. There's a bit of madness missing in this match.

Shelton is starting to get annoyed at not finding solutions on the Frenchman's service! Van Assche continues on his merry way. 2-2

It's solid Shelton serving, he doesn't let anything slip 3-2

Ouch ouch ouch, two break points for Shelton after a sliced backhand from Van Assche which ends up in the net...

SHELTON'S REACTION, WITH IN GROSS PASSING, WHO TAKES THE FRENCH'S SERVICE! 4-2

He holds up the long Shelton rallies better and doesn't give the Frenchman the opportunity to react: 5-2

Come on, Van Assche regains confidence in his serve and doesn't let it slip away. It's 5-3. Now is the time to come back Luca, come on my little one!

Well, Shelton doesn't let anything slip and easily concludes 6-3. So there will be a third set! Van Assche is used to it after two marathons against Musetti and Hijikata!

Van Assche took the opportunity to take a quick trip to the locker room to recharge his batteries. We hope that it will have the same effect as for Djokovic in his heyday.

Good to see how Luca is holding up physically now, he who has already lost his strength against Musetti and Hijikata.

In any case, it starts well and it holds its service. We still feel that he has his hands full. 1-0 Van Assche

Well, on the other hand, since the start of the second set, Shelton has once again become imperial on his serve. On this throw-in, Van Assche did not exist 1-1

What is your prediction for this end of the match?