Overview
- Van Assche defeated qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-5 in a 2 hour 44–45 minute quarterfinal to reach his first Masters 1000 semifinal.
- The win ensures Van Assche will enter the ATP top 40 for the first time, with a projected ranking of No. 34 and status as France’s No. 2 player.
- Van Assche produced 13 aces and saved multiple break points late in the match before closing out the final game on his opponent’s errors.
- He will face No. 4 seed Ben Shelton for a place in the Paris final, with the American having beaten Tommy Paul to reach the semis.
- Van Assche’s run follows a comeback year that included his first ATP title at Estoril and a rise from a 2025 slump, illustrating a swift turnaround in form.