Blockx stuns defending champion Ruud to reach Madrid semi-finals

Belgium’s rising tennis star Alexander Blockx has continued his remarkable run at the Mutua Madrid Open, beating defending champion Casper Ruud to reach the semi-finals.

The 21-year-old from Antwerp, currently ranked world No. 69, won 6-4, 6-4 on clay in the Spanish capital on Thursday. It was his first-ever meeting with Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist.

Blockx took control early, breaking Ruud’s serve in the first set and holding his nerve after being briefly pegged back. In the second set, he secured another crucial break at 3-3 and eventually sealed victory on his fourth match point.

“I’m just happy to be here,” said Blockx after the match. “A semi-final is something I never even dreamed of.”

He will now face either Italy’s Flavio Cobolli or Germany’s Alexander Zverev for a place in the final. On the other side of the draw, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner meets France’s Arthur Fils.

Blockx has been the surprise package of the tournament, already knocking out top players such as Felix Auger-Aliassime and Francisco Cerundolo earlier this week.

This is the first time he has reached a Masters 1000 semi-final, one level below the Grand Slams. His strong performances will also lift him into the world’s top 35 next week, making him Belgium’s new No. 1 ahead of Zizou Bergs.

Blockx added that the conditions in Madrid suit his game. “The clay feels slow, which gives me time, but the altitude makes it faster too. That combination works well for me,” he said.

Just a year ago, Blockx was ranked outside the top 150. His rapid rise now marks him out as one of the most exciting young players on the ATP Tour.

^{​#FlandersNewsService | © Thomas COEX / AFP}