Blockx Defeats Defending Champion Ruud to Reach Madrid Open Semis
Belgian Alexander Blockx continues his impressive run at the Madrid Open by defeating the defending champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals on Thursday. The 21-year-old, ranked 69th, has made significant strides on clay this season, having not won an ATP Tour match on the surface before his third-round appearance in Monte Carlo three weeks ago. His path to the semi-finals in Madrid also includes victories over third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime and Francisco Cerundolo.
"To be honest, I’m just happy with being here," Blockx said. "Even winning my first match here. I barely escaped in the first round and I was happy about that already. Semi-finals is something I wouldn’t have even dreamed of to begin with."
According to the ATP, Blockx is the fourth lowest-ranked player to reach the men’s last four in Madrid. Additionally, he is the second man born in 2005 or later to reach the semi-finals at a Masters 1000 event, following Jakub Mensik, who won in Miami in 2025.
"I’m proud of how I’ve played these past couple of matches," Blockx added. "The conditions suit me well here. I feel like it’s clay which is slow, so I have time to settle and hit my shots, go for my shots. At the same time, it’s quite fast with the altitude and the heat sometimes. It’s the perfect combination for me."
Blockx holds a 4-2 record against top 20 opponents, with all four wins occurring this month. Reflecting on his performance against Ruud, he said,
"I thought from the first game I was hitting my ball quite well, and I made [lots of] returns. Once I got my first game, I was really into the match."
Ruud’s loss results in him dropping out of the top 20 rankings for the first time since May 2021.
Carlos Alcaraz Supports Younger Brother Jaime at Madrid Under-16 Tournament
Meanwhile, world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz attended the Madrid Open on Thursday, not as a competitor but as a spectator to support his younger brother Jaime in an under-16 tournament. Carlos was present in the stands at Court 7 as Jaime Alcaraz secured a 6-3, 6-3 victory over fellow Spaniard Pol Mas. Other family members were also in attendance to witness the 14-year-old Jaime’s tournament debut.
Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Madrid Open due to a right wrist injury, which will also prevent him from defending his French Open title in three weeks.
