Van Assche stuns Rublev, reaches first ATP semifinal Estoril

Luca Van Assche, ranked 78th and 22 years old, upset top-seeded Andrey Rublev at the Estoril Open to reach his first ATP Tour semifinal, snapping Rublev’s five-match winning streak and Bastad title run. Van Assche called the victory the biggest of his career and praised his level, saying it meant a lot to him after a tough, two-hour-plus battle. The win sets up an all-French clash in the Estoril semifinals, with Van Assche facing compatriot Hugo Gaston after Gaston eliminated Tiago Torres. Rublev had taken the opening set before Van Assche surged back, securing the final two sets to seal a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win. Van Assche has expressed love for Portugal and confidence in his evolving form as he advances deeper into the event. Gaston now awaits after defeating Torres and eyes a spot in the final, continuing a strong French run at the tournament.