Alexander Blockx defeated Casper Ruud, 6-4, 6-4, in the Madrid Open quarter-finals.
The Belgian delivered another fine display to knock out the defending champion, Ruud, in straight sets.
Blockx was excellent from start to finish, as he advanced to his first Masters 1000 semi-final.
Which ATP youngster will win a Masters 1000 title first?
Joao Fonseca, Rafael Jodar, Arthur Fils, or Alexander Blockx…
Shortly after converting match point, Blockx spoke to Sky Sports presenters Gigi Salmon and Colin Fleming about his big win.
Alexander Blockx admits he ‘never expected’ to reach the Madrid Open semis
“I am feeling good,” said Blockx.
“On the court, it has been two weeks since I have been here.
“The day before the qualies started, I did not even know if I would get into the main draw.
“Eventually, I got in, and to be standing here is unbelievable.
“I never expected this to happen.”
Blockx only received a spot in the main draw when Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak withdrew.
Making the most of his opportunity, Blockx has stormed into the Madrid Open semi-finals.
Alexander Blockx at the 2026 Madrid Open
- Madrid Open 1R [WIN] vs Cristian Garin, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5
- Madrid Open 2R [WIN] vs Brandon Nakashima, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
- Madrid Open 3R [WIN] vs Felix Auger-Aliassime, 7-6, 6-3
- Madrid Open 4R [WIN] vs Francisco Cerundolo, 7-6, 6-2
- Madrid Open QF [WIN] vs Casper Ruud, 6-4, 6-4
The Belgian was ranked outside the world’s top 100 at the beginning of the year, but now sits 35th in the ‘Live ATP Rankings’, one place behind another impressive youngster, Rafael Jodar.
Live ATP Rankings
| Rank | Name | Country | Points |
| 30 | Corentin Moutet | France | 1,393 |
| 31 | Tallon Griekspoor | Netherlands | 1,360 |
| 32 | Brandon Nakashima | USA | 1,295 |
| 33 | Ugo Humbert | France | 1,280 |
| 34 | Rafael Jodar | Spain | 1,273 |
| 35 | Alexander Blockx | Belgium | 1,200 |
| 36 | Denis Shapovalov | Canada | 1,170 |
| 37 | Jaume Munar | Spain | 1,155 |
| 38 | Holger Rune | Denmark | 1,110 |
| 39 | Tomas Machac | Czechia | 1,100 |
He could yet break into the top 30 with a semi-final win…
Fleming told Blockx the first time he saw him play was in Bolton, years ago, as the 19-year-old recalled some of the struggles he faced during his junior career.
“It’s been a long journey,” said Blockx.
“The next couple of years after Bolton, I had some growth spurts where I did not play too well or too much, as I was having a lot of knee pain.
“I started to play better and better from 17, when I won the Australian Open [juniors] and got some confidence, and now I am here!”
Blockx was then asked if he felt any pressure closing out the match against a two-time Grand Slam finalist in Ruud.
Alexander Blockx vs Casper Ruud – Match stats
| Stats | Alexander Blockx | Casper Ruud |
| Aces | 2 | 1 |
| Double faults | 3 | 1 |
| 1st Serve % | 51% | 68% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 85% | 60% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 48% | 53% |
| Break points | 3/7 | 1/3 |
“I was actually really composed,” he said.
“I felt like the match was still in my hands.
“Even if it gets to 5-5, I still have the advantage.
“I feel I am here for a reason. I don’t see myself as better, but nor do I see myself as lower.
“I am just playing my game, and it worked out.”
Only time will tell if it will ‘work out’ for him when he returns for his semi-final match.
Who will Alexander Blockx play in the Madrid Open semi-finals?
Blockx will play either Flavio Cobolli or Alexander Zverev in the Madrid Open semi-finals.
The Belgian has yet to meet Zverev on the ATP Tour, but recently beat Cobolli at the Monte Carlo Masters.
He may prefer to face Cobolli again, although history tells us it may be Zverev he will play in the Spanish capital.
Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli’s head-to-head record (2-1)
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2026 Munich – SF | Flavio Cobolli | Alexander Zverev | 6-3, 6-3 |
| 2025 Halle – QF | Alexander Zverev | Flavio Cobolli | 6-4, 7-6 |
| 2025 French Open – 3R | Alexander Zverev | Flavio Cobolli | 6-2, 7-6, 6-1 |
It remains to be seen who will advance to take on Blockx in the Madrid Open semi-finals.
Zverev and Cobolli will play their quarter-final match on Thursday evening.
