Resurgent Luca Van Assche rides Play In Challenger Lille title back into Top 100

The Tennis Channel Showcase fortnight in France concluded on Sunday with the singles final of the eighth edition of the Play In Challenger Lille, capping two weeks of high-level ATP Challenger Tour action. And for the sixth time in eight editions, a French player lifted the trophy.

Luca Van Assche defeated Belgium’s Alexander Blockx in straight sets, 6–2, 6–4, delivering a composed performance in front of the home crowd. The No. 7 seed saved all three break points he faced and converted each of his three break-point opportunities, sealing victory after one hour and 19 minutes.

The title crowns an excellent start to the 2026 season for the 21-year-old, who captures his second ATP Challenger trophy of the year following his triumph in Quimper in early February.

“Less than six months ago I was ranked outside the Top 200 in the world. Today, thanks to this win, I’m back in the Top 100,” Van Assche said moments after match point, holding the trophy in his hands. The 2021 Roland-Garros junior champion earned €30,460 in prize money and 125 ATP ranking points. He climbs 30 places to world No. 100 in this week’s ATP rankings.

Van Assche’s run in Lille will be remembered above all for his dramatic first-round escape. He was just two points from elimination against Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi, trailing 6–3, 5–4, 0–30 before mounting a comeback inspired by strong support from the northern French crowd. During the trophy ceremony, he made sure to acknowledge that backing.

“It was incredible, thank you! On Monday night I was down 6–3, 5–4, 0–30 and you pushed me through. If I’m here today, it’s thanks to you!”

Kouame’s run ends in semifinals

On his way to the title, Van Assche also ended the impressive run of French teenager Moise Kouame in the semi-finals with a dominant 6–1, 6–1 victory in just over an hour.

It was a tough lesson for the young Parisian, who turns 17 on March 6 and struggled to find solutions against the relentless Van Assche. But despite the heavy defeat, Kouame will leave Lille with plenty of positives. In only his fourth ATP Challenger Tour main-draw appearance, he claimed three straight-set victories and has now broken into the world’s top 400 for the first time, rising to world No. 397 this week.

The 2026 edition of the Play In Challenger Lille drew a cumulative crowd of more than 12,000 spectators throughout the week, matching the tournament’s attendance record.

Collignon retains title at Teréga Open Pau-Pyrénées

One week earlier, Raphael Collignon claimed the title at the eighth Teréga Open Pau-Pyrénées. The Belgian successfully defended his crown in front of nearly 3,500 spectators, defeating Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi 7–6(5), 6–1 in the singles final in one hour and 22 minutes.

Bonzi started sharply, breaking immediately to surge to a 3–0 lead. Collignon responded quickly, taking the ball earlier and striking close to the baseline to break back and reassert himself in the contest.

The Nimes native regained the advantage, but a determined Collignon leveled once more. The opening set featured intense rallies and relentless exchanges, with both players trading blows. In the tie-break, however, Collignon elevated his level. Relying on an effective first serve and superb backhand defense, he secured a decisive mini-break. The set ended with a Bonzi forehand error forced by a flawless return from the defending champion.

The second set quickly swung in Collignon’s favor. Bonzi, immediately under pressure, dropped the first three games in just ten minutes. Faster and more precise, the Belgian dictated rallies and steadily pulled away. Overwhelmed by his opponent’s pace and accuracy, Bonzi was unable to shift the momentum, and Collignon sealed the victory emphatically.

With this triumph—achieved without dropping a single set across five matches—Collignon completed a historic double in Pau. He also became the first No. 1 seed in tournament history to lift the trophy, earning €30,460 in prize money and 125 ATP Ranking points.

The final brought to a close a magnificent week of tennis that once again attracted more than 20,000 spectators to the Palais des Sports and the Tennis Club de Pau.