Luca Van Assche produced the biggest win of his career on Friday at the Millennium Estoril Open. The 22-year-old Frenchman came from a set down to defeat top seed Andrey Rublev, ranked 14th in the world, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and fifteen minutes to reach his first ATP semi-final.
"I'm very, very happy about this win. It's the best of my career so far. I love Portugal, it's a place I love, and to be in the semi-finals is a great step," Van Assche said, visibly emotional after leaving the court.
The opening set belonged to Rublev, who was rock-solid on serve and saved all five break points he faced. The Russian appeared in complete control. The turning point came in the fourth game of the second set, when Van Assche converted his fourth break point after three unsuccessful attempts. That break freed the Frenchman, who went on to dominate the extended forehand exchanges that became his primary weapon, levelling the match at one set apiece.
In the decider, Van Assche never wavered. He maintained relentless pressure on Rublev's serve, refusing to retreat in rallies. The Frenchman broke to lead 5-4 and then served out the match to trigger a restrained but heartfelt celebration.
The result is all the more impressive given Van Assche had fallen at the quarter-final stage in his three previous ATP Tour attempts. The world number 78 has finally cleared that hurdle, and in spectacular fashion. The day before, he had already caused a stir by eliminating eighth seed Pablo Carreno-Busta in three sets.
What awaits next is a rare treat: an all-French semi-final. Hugo Gaston, who defeated Tiago Torres 6-3, 6-4 in the other quarter-final, will be his opponent on Saturday. The two Frenchmen know each other well, having grown up together on the junior circuit. Regardless of the outcome, a Frenchman will contest the Estoril final.
