
The Frenchman looks back on his qualification, his progress and his next opponent Ben Shelton
AI-generated summary
Luca Van Assche is the last Frenchman still competing in the tournament after being one of four Frenchmen in the round of 16. He went from 230th place in the world to the semi-final of a Masters 1000 in one year.
His qualification at the end of the suspense
“It was difficult from start to finish. There were ups, downs, moments where everyone played very well. I'm very happy to have managed to manage my emotions at the start of the third set and turn the situation around. It was the first time I faced him. I knew what to expect, but it’s always different on the pitch. The more I play against an opponent, the better I analyze their patterns. In the end, it was easier for me to anticipate what he was going to do. It helped me make good passing shots and read his game better.”
His progress in forehand
“I worked a lot on my forehand and progressed. I even feel almost more comfortable on that side now. Technically, I didn't change much, but I changed the way I adjusted, how I was anchored to transfer all my body weight. I gained confidence and changed my intentions. For a long time, I was mainly looking to hold the ball. Now I'm going more forward, I'm more aggressive. It allows me to play the game with it a lot more. »
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His semi-final against Shelton
“It will be complicated. He is fourth in the world, made the final at the US Open and the conditions suit him. He serves very well and plays very aggressively. For now, I'm focusing on recovery to be in great shape. I will have all morning to prepare tactically and figure out how to hinder him. Everyone has their weapons and weaknesses. I also have strong points that can annoy him. I have already trained with him several times. He is very powerful, both on serve and from the baseline. He will be more powerful than me, but I will surely move better. He will do some things better than me, and vice versa. I hope it works out for me. »
This is the first time I have played so well in a Masters 1000.
Luca Van Assche
His status as the last Frenchman in the running
“I was a little disappointed to be the only Frenchman in the quarters while there were four of us in the eighth. But I am very happy to represent French tennis in a tournament of this scale. This is the first time I’ve played so well in a Masters 1000. More pressure? I don't know. On paper, it was the match where I was the most favorite since the start of the tournament. But if he was in the quarter-finals, it was because he deserved his place. He showed it with a great match. »
Its connection with the tournament
“Being in the semi-final of a Masters 1000, even more so in Paris, is a dream. I often came to see this tournament in Bercy when I was young. I saw my idols there. I often came for the quarter-finals. Being there myself was already great. Winning again and continuing the adventure makes me very happy. »
From 230th place in the world to the semi-final in one year
“It’s pretty crazy. I have come a long way since last year and worked a lot. These results show that the work paid off. I am very happy for myself, but also for my team and those around me, who supported me and worked a lot with me. »
His difficult period
“Everyone goes through difficult times. Former players told me that they too had experienced these moments when we ask ourselves questions, where we sometimes have to change something. It helped me put things into perspective: I wasn’t the only one going through it tough. I was able to regain confidence and return to work with great pleasure. »
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Van Assche will focus on recovery and tactical preparation to face Ben Shelton in the semi-final
Very likely · Within days

Carlos Alcaraz, 3rd player in the world, qualified for his first semi-final at the Masters 1000 in Paris by overthrowing the American Taylor Fritz 6-7 (10/12), 7-5, 6-3 after saving two match points. He will face the winner of the match between Casper Ruud and Nuno Borges on Saturday.

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