For the sixth time in eight editions, a French player lifted the trophy at the Play In Challenger Lille on Sunday: Luca Van Assche (21 years old, world No. 130) defeated Belgium’s Alexander Blockx (20 years old, world No. 104) in straight sets, 6–2, 6–4, in 1 hour and 19 minutes.
The Paris-region native continues his excellent start to the 2026 season with a second Challenger Tour title after his victory in Quimper in early February. “Less than six months ago I was ranked outside the top 200 in the world; today, thanks to this win, I’m back in the top 100,” Luca Van Assche said with satisfaction just after his victory, trophy in hand. The 2021 Roland-Garros junior champion will now be ranked world No. 100 (+30 places).
Two points away from elimination in the first round
His run in Lille will be remembered for his miraculous first-round match, in which he came from behind to defeat Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi (world No. 173), partly thanks to the northern French crowd who supported him until the very end. The Frenchman did not forget them during the ceremony, paying heartfelt tribute after his victory: “It was incredible, thank you! On Monday night, I was trailing 6–3, 5–4, 0–30, and you pushed me! If I’m here today, it’s thanks to you!”
The 2026 edition of the Play In Challenger gathered just over 12,000 spectators throughout the week, matching the attendance record.
