The epic of Frenchman Luca van Assche stopped in the semi-finals of the Masters 1000 in Paris by Ben Shelton

Sensation of the week at the Nanterre Arena, Luca van Assche saw his epic at the Masters 1000 in Paris come to an end on Saturday November 7 in the semi-finals. The Frenchman looked the American Ben Shelton, world number four, in the eyes, but ended up being defeated in three sets (7-5, 3-6, 4-6) and 2h16 of play.

The 22-year-old player did not come far from the feat in front of an audience won over to his cause against the finalist of the last US Open. Very consistent, almost unsinkable on a mental level at the start of the match, the Habs played their game without complexes. Opposite, the powerful American was able to count on his serve, but failed on his forehand during the first set (14 unforced errors). It was precisely on yet another fault that Shelton opened the door, letting the break escape at 6-5. A gift immediately seized by Van Assche, who served immediately to secure the first set (7-5 ​​in 55 minutes of play).

The one who had never passed the 2nd round in Masters 1000 then saw the American regain depth, showing himself to be more precise and offensive in the second set, always carried by his great services but also by a much better-rounded game, erased from free offerings. In 34 minutes of play, he tied the match at one set (6-3), leaving the suspense intact in this first clash between the two men.

It was then that Luca van Assche experienced an emotional lift that was complicated to manage during the third and final set. In front, leading 3-1 after having managed to break his opponent, the Frenchman went through a phase of doubt at the worst of times. His unforced errors on the forehand multiplied, putting the American back in the game, he who was not asking for so much and allowed himself to press on his serve to win four consecutive games. With his back to the wall, the 47th in the world, less lucid than at the start of the game, tried to come back to level, even saving a match point, without however succeeding in derailing Shelton on his last throw in (6-4).

If the scenario will undoubtedly leave him with some regrets, the Frenchman can be proud of having achieved a journey that few people could have predicted. On Monday, he will reach his best career ATP ranking, in the Top 40.