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Blockx Ends Ruud’s Madrid Title Defence with Shock Win to Set Up Semi-Final with Zverev
In a significant upset at the Madrid Open, Belgian tennis player Alexander Blockx triumphed over Casper Ruud, effectively halting the former world number two’s title defence. The match concluded with a score of 6-4, 6-4, allowing Blockx to advance to the semi-finals where he will face Alexander Zverev.
At just 21 years of age, Blockx has recently broken into the top 100 of the ATP rankings for the first time and is currently positioned at a career-best 69th. His remarkable journey to the semi-finals included defeating four seeded players, among them the highly ranked Felix Auger-Aliassime.
This marks not only Blockx’s first appearance in a tour-level semi-final but also a historic achievement as he becomes the first male Belgian player to reach this stage in the Madrid Open’s history. Prior to this tournament, he had not played any clay court matches at the tour level, yet he now boasts an impressive record of 10 wins and 2 losses on the surface during the ATP qualifying and main draw matches.
Reflecting on his performance, Blockx expressed his surprise and joy, stating, “To be honest, I don’t know, I’m just happy being here. Even winning my first match here, I barely escaped in the first round. I was happy about that already, but semi-finals is something I wouldn’t have even dreamed of to begin with. I’m proud with how I’m playing the last couple of matches.”
Blockx made the initial breakthrough in the third game of the first set, establishing an early 3-1 lead. Although Ruud demonstrated resilience by leveling the score to 4-4 with powerful forehands, Blockx regained control to clinch the set, finishing it off on his fourth set point after 51 minutes.
In the second set, Blockx’s momentum continued as he secured a 5-3 lead, ultimately closing out the match in 96 minutes despite facing challenges while serving for the match, where he missed two match points on Ruud’s serve. Ruud’s performance was marred by 17 unforced errors on his forehand, leading to his anticipated exit from the top 20 in the upcoming ATP rankings.
Post-match, Ruud shared his thoughts on the encounter, citing the lack of weaknesses in Blockx’s game as a factor in the loss. He also acknowledged managing a calf issue since competing in Monte Carlo, expressing satisfaction with how his leg held up during the tournament in Madrid.
Zverev Cruises Past Cobolli
Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev, a former two-time champion of the Madrid Open, made swift work of his quarter-final opponent, Flavio Cobolli. Zverev dominated the match with a score of 6-1, 6-4, marking his seventh semi-final appearance in his last eight Masters 1000 tournaments.
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