LILLE/STARNBERG, February 22, 2026
For the sixth time in eight editions, a French player lifted the trophy at the Play In Challenger Lille. On Sunday, Luca Van Assche defeated Belgium’s Alexander Blockx in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.
The No. 7 seed saved all three break points he faced and capitalized on all of his three own break-point chances to prevail after one hour and 19 minutes.
The victory caps an excellent start to the 2026 season for the 21-year-old, who secures his second ATP Challenger title of the year after his triumph in Quimper in early February.
Lille belongs to Luca ✨@lucavanassche overcomes Blockx 6-2, 6-4 to lift his second ATP Challenger title of the season#ATPChallenger | @PlayinLille pic.twitter.com/1TrAHEqdhX
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) February 22, 2026
“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, the trophy in his hand. The 2021 Roland-Garros junior champion earned € 30,460 in prize money as well as125 ATP Ranking points. Van Assche will rise 30 places to world No. 100 in the next ATP Rankings.
His run in Lille will be remembered above all for a dramatic first-round escape. Van Assche had been just two points from elimination against Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi, trailing 6–3, 5–4, 0–30 before mounting a comeback, fueled by strong support from the northern French crowd. He made sure to acknowledge that backing during the trophy ceremony.
“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!”
The 2026 edition of the Play In Challenger Lille drew a cumulative crowd of more than 12,000 spectators over the course of the week, matching the tournament’s attendance record.
