Luca Van Assche is not your typical professional tennis player. At just 20 years old, he has already made a name for himself on the ATP Challenger Tour, winning three titles and currently sitting at fifth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah. But what sets him apart from other young tennis stars is his dedication to his studies at Paris Dauphine University.
Despite the demands of a professional tennis career, Van Assche still finds time to immerse himself in his mathematics studies. Upon returning to France from US Open qualifying, he was greeted not by rest, but by an awaiting exam. This balance of tennis and studying is highly important for Van Assche, whose mother is an Italian teacher.
“My mom always told me, ‘If you go to school, have good grades and finish well. Then you can go and play tennis, two hours, four hours, whatever you want. But first you have to finish your homework and everything,'” Van Assche told ATP Tour.com.
For Van Assche, education has always been a priority. He understands the importance of having a backup plan and exploring different interests outside of tennis. “When you are doing tennis the whole day, sometimes it’s good that your brain is working on something else. Of course I would like to have an incredible career and win a lot of matches. But after my tennis career, I also want to explore something different.”
But Van Assche’s dedication to his studies goes beyond just his own personal goals. He is using his platform as a professional athlete to speak with youth about the importance of education and balancing sports and academics. As an ambassador for Yannick Noah’s foundation, Association Fête le Mur, Van Assche has been a part of multiple initiatives this year, including at Roland Garros, the ATP Masters 1000 event in Monte-Carlo, and two French ATP Challenger Tour tournaments.
Through Fête le Mur, Van Assche has had the opportunity to interact with over 100 children, sharing his experience of being a professional athlete while continuing to study. “This association is helping young people who are living in an atmosphere that is not very good, so they are helping them a lot,” Van Assche said. “I’ve been working with them since March of last year. It’s something that I like to see, young people who like to do sports and everything. And if I can help them, of course I will do it.”
Fête le Mur, founded in 1996 by former No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Yannick Noah, strives for “Tennis against exclusion”. The organization was born out of a vision from Noah, who was discovered by the late Arthur Ashe at a tennis clinic in Cameroon. During a violent general strike in France in 1995, Noah began to act at an important time. He partnered with Severine Thieffry, events manager at IMG, to reach underprivileged neighborhoods and offer them a path of education, integration, and all-around civic and sporting values.
Collaborations with professionals like Van Assche and former WTA No. 12 Tatiana Golovin help Fête le Mur achieve its goal of leaving a lasting legacy by establishing self-esteem within disadvantaged youth. Van Assche last year appeared at the inauguration of a playground in Roubaix, where he met and interacted with students. “When I see them, it’s little kids. I speak with them, they ask me some things,” Van Assche said. “Also with my brands, we receive a lot of gifts, so I can give it to them as a present. They are happy.”
Van Assche’s involvement with Fête le Mur is just one example of his dedication to giving back and using his platform for good. He is also an ambassador for the BNP Paribas Kids and Avenir teams, which support young tennis players in their development. His passion for education and helping others is truly inspiring and sets a great example for the next generation of athletes.
As Van Assche continues to make a name for himself on the ATP Challenger Tour, he remains committed to his studies and using his platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others. His hard work, determination, and dedication to both tennis and education make him a true role model for aspiring athletes. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented and inspiring young player.
