Blockx weighs in on Rafa Jódar and the new generation of tennis

Iker Jiménez | 28 Apr 2026 | 12.17

Blockx gives his opinion on Rafa Jódar and the new tennis generation. Source: Getty

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Alexander Blockx is earning his own place in the Mutua Madrid Open 2026. The young Belgian caused a major upset of the day by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the third round, achieving his first career victory against a top-5 player and advancing for the first time to the round of 16 in a Masters 1000.

It was not just any triumph. Blockx dominated from the serve, showed personality in crucial moments, and managed the pressure well. In a Caja Mágica that is starting to recognize him, the Belgian confirmed that he belongs to that new wave of talent pushing hard, alongside names like Rafael Jódar and João Fonseca. His next challenge will be against Francisco Cerúndolo, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.

Blockx shares thoughts on Rafa Jódar

"We get along very well. With Rafa, for example, before the Next Gen Finals, I hadn't seen him much, but I knew he was very good in juniors: he won the US Open, was number one... Then he went to university, and in Jeddah was the first time I saw him play. I was very impressed by his level and potential, and now he is proving it. Besides, off the court, he is a great guy, very humble."

"The same with the others. I have known Dino (Prizmic) since we were 10, we played tournaments together in Europe. We have a history since we were kids. In general, I get along well with everyone. It's nice to see that they are doing well too, it motivates me. For example, I watched highlights of Rafa's match against João... what a match! That also motivates me. To see those shots, those forehands, and think 'I'm going to try to do that too.' It's a healthy motivation within our generation."

His best career victory

"It has been a very special victory today, my first win against a top-5 player, against Felix. He is an incredible player and also a great person off the court. Sharing the court with him is already a privilege, and winning makes it even better."

Keys to his game

"When I serve well, I feel mentally freer to try things that I wouldn't normally do. Throughout the tournament, I have been serving very well, and today I knew that the serve would be key. I saved a break point in the first game because he started very aggressively. Then I held my serve throughout the first set. In the tie-break, he made some errors, and I made good shots at important moments. That liberated me in the second set, and I think I started playing some of the best tennis of my life. I felt I couldn't lose confidence in my serve or my shots and just enjoyed the moment."

His nickname on the circuit

"It seems that it was Denis Kudla who invented it, so credit goes to him. I think we could find something more intimidating, but for now, it is the nickname that is used the most, so we stick with 'Block X'."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Blockx opina sobre Rafa Jódar y la nueva generación del tenis