Luca Van Assche: Balancing Tennis and Mathematics
Balancing Act: Luca van Assche Aces Tennis and University-Level Math
December 10, 2024
ATP Tour Highlights”>Luca Van Assche is making his second appearance in Jeddah.”/>
ATP Tour
Luca Van Assche is making his second appearance in Jeddah.
By ATP Staff
20-year-old Frenchman Luca Van Assche is proving that brains and brawn can coexist on the tennis court. While some players unwind during downtime, Van Assche tackles university-level mathematics at Paris Dauphine University, seamlessly weaving online classes between training sessions. This unique balancing act is showcased in the ATP tours new ‘Journey To Jeddah’ video series.
“Even if I win 50 grand slams, I will not play when I’m 60, so that’s why I continued. I’m also enjoying it,” Van Assche said. “It’s arduous to do both. For the moment, I’m sorting it well.”
Van Assche’s commitment to both tennis and academics sets him apart.
“This is a young man who is very much an intellect,” said analyst Robbie Koenig. “The fact that he studies university-level maths. If your brain is wired that way, it’s only going to help you in your tennis to solve problems. Between the ears, he’s more qualified than most.”
The #NextGenATP star is aiming for a second consecutive appearance at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah, a feat only accomplished by six players, four of whom are currently in the Top 20: Andrey Rublev, Alex de Minaur, Lorenzo Musetti, and Frances Tiafoe.”I want to do everything to win this tournament and I hope that I will,” said van Assche, currently sixth in the PIF ATP Live race To Jeddah.
“When we see the names of the players who have played the Next Gen ATP Finals, they are now very, very famous and very, very good players. It’s motivating to say,‘Okay,I’m on the right path.’”
Van Assche’s early success, including a third-round appearance at the Australian Open this year, fuels his ambition.
“My biggest goal is to just have big dreams,” Van Assche said. “If you have no regrets and know that you’ve done everything, I think for me that’s the most important.”
Brains and Brawn: An Interview with Luca van Assche
NewsDirectory3: Luca, you’re making waves on the court and in the classroom. How do you manage to balance your rigorous tennis schedule with studying university-level mathematics?
Luca van Assche: It’s definitely a juggling act! it takes a lot of discipline and time management. luckily, Paris Dauphine University has been very supportive, allowing me to take online classes that fit around my training schedule. I try to treat both commitments with equal importance.
NewsDirectory3: You’ve said that even if you win 50 Grand Slams, you won’t be playing tennis when you’re 60. What drives you to pursue academics alongside your tennis career?
Luca van Assche: I’m passionate about learning and expanding my horizons beyond tennis. Mathematics is a fascinating subject, and I find the challenge of problem-solving to be incredibly rewarding.
NewsDirectory3: Analyst Robbie Koenig has praised your intellect, saying that your mathematical mind likely gives you an edge on the court. How do you see the two disciplines intersecting?
Luca van Assche: I think tennis and mathematics require similar skills: strategic thinking, pattern recognition, and the ability to quickly analyze situations. My mathematical training helps me approach the game with a more analytical and tactical mindset.
NewsDirectory3: You’re aiming to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah for the second year running. What does competing in this prestigious event mean to you?
Luca van Assche: It’s a huge honor to be considered among the best young players in the world. To qualify again would be a fantastic achievement. Seeing the names of past participants, many of whom are now top-ranked players, motivates me to constantly strive for improvement.
NewsDirectory3: What are your long-term goals in tennis?
Luca van Assche: My biggest goal is to keep pushing myself and achieving my full potential. I want to be a role model for other young athletes who dream of excelling both on and off the court.I believe that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.