In the feature's latest edition, there is a big
French influence as ITFWorld learns more
about two highly-rated players. Oceane
Babel, who famously learned to play tennis
on a Nintendo Wii, won her maiden Grade
A title at Criciuma in Brazil in March before
being handed a wild card into the main draw
at Roland Garros in June. She faced Elina
Svitolina of Ukraine in the first round and led 5-2
in the second set before her illustrious opponent battled back to
win 6-2 7-5. Luca van Assche, meanwhile, conquered all before him
to clinch the boys' title at Roland Garros last month – the first Junior
Grand Slam of 2021. It's time to get to know both a little better.
GET
KNOW
to
26 Summer 2021 ITF World
Describe yourself in three words?
Funny, generous, shy
Who was your tennis idol growing up?
Serena Williams
What has been the favourite tennis
match you have been involved in?
Final in Criciuma
Who has been your toughest opponent?
Natalia Szabanin (answered prior to
playing Svitolina)
What is your favourite Grand Slam and
why?
Roland Garros, because it's in France and
on clay, which is my preferred surface
What is the best advice you have ever
received?
Any advice from Venus Williams, who told
me not to be scared when I'm playing big
tennis for big prizes
Favourite sport other than tennis?
Football
Favourite team or individual within that
sport?
Paris Saint-Germain
Favourite person to follow on social
media?
Serena Williams
What would your dream car be?
Range Rover
What would be your favourite three-
course meal?
Avocado salad, bacon burger, Oreo milkshake
Dream holiday location?
Maldives
What is your favourite film?
Titanic
What is your favourite book?
Rafael Nadal's book – Rafa: My Story
What do you like to get up to when you're
not playing tennis?
Shopping
What annoys you the most and why?
When things are not structured and
organised because I'm quite a perfectionist
What music are you into and what's your
favourite tune?
RNB and Pop. My favourite song is Drivers
License by Olivia Rodrigo
What are you watching on Netflix or
television currently?
I'm watching Riverdale on Netflix
Tell us something that people don't know
about you?
I'm spending a lot of my time on TikTok,
watching dances. I like this app so much
Favourite superhero?
Wonder Woman
Where would you most like to visit in the
world?
Great Wall of China
Do you have a fear of anything?
Dogs and cats
What is your star sign?
Pisces
Favourite subject at school?
Mathematics
Do you own a games console and what is
your favourite game?
I don't but I used to play Wii Nintendo a lot,
especially tennis, when I was younger and
that's how I started tennis
OCEANE
BABEL
R E A D M O R E
