Van Assche makes successful Masters Next Gen debut

It's been a dream start to the tournament for Luca Van Assche. Ranked 128th in the world, the Frenchman was clearly out of favor in his match against the excellent Juncheng Shang (50th).

However, taking advantage of a Chinese player lacking rhythm, the Frenchman played a very solid game to win in 4 sets and 2 hours (4-3, 2-4, 4-1, 4-3). Solid on serve and in the exchange (8 aces, 19 winners, 15 unforced errors), he withstood his opponent's assaults well enough to take the lead of his group.

Shang, on the other hand, was more enterprising, but far too inconsistent (30 winners, 37 unforced errors).

An excellent operation for Van Assche in this first match of the Next Gen Masters.