Blockx, the great surprise of Madrid: "I don't know what my limit is"

Streaming ATP Madrid live tennis

🎾 Flavio Cobolli vs Alexander Zverev

1. Sign up with Bet365 here
2. Make your first deposit of at least €5
3. Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

 PUBLICIDAD

Register at bet365, deposit €5 or more into your account and you will receive 100% of your eligible deposit in Bet Credits (up to €100). New customers only. Terms apply. Winnings do not include the value of Bet Credits. Maximum prizes, game restrictions, time limits and terms apply. Registration required.

Here is the name of the tournament: Alexander Blockx. While all the attention was on Rafa Jódar, the Belgian quietly accumulated significant victories match after match. First, it was Cristian Garín, followed by Brandon Nakashima, until his name started gaining recognition as he defeated the world number five, Félix Auger-Aliassime, and Fran Cerúndolo, with his confirmation coming today after eliminating the defending champion of the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, Casper Ruud.

Before the start of the tournament at the Caja Mágica, the Belgian was ranked 69^th in the ATP ranking and after his good performance in Madrid, he will rise to at least 35^th place. An impressive climb that occurs on his 'weakest' surface, clay. In fact, until this 2026, he had never achieved a victory in an ATP tournament on clay courts. He spoke about his incredible performance at the Caja Mágica and the possible change of his objectives after this tournament in the mixed zone.

Alexander Blockx reveals his next goals after reaching the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open 2026

"Of course, it's nice to beat the defending champion and also Casper, who I think has his favorite conditions here. That shows me that I can play well and compete at the highest level. The ranking is rising very quickly and, as I said, it's great to be able to play in bigger tournaments now. I don't know what my limit is, honestly. I prefer to take it one match at a time and hopefully I can go as far as possible."

Did you expect such a good tournament?

"Not at all. I was already happy just to enter the main draw. In fact, I entered at the last minute on Friday, just before the deadline. Winning the first match was already a bonus for me. And then, honestly, I didn't think I would go this far. But when you gain confidence and start feeling your game, many things can happen."

Starting to like clay courts

"In recent years, I didn't have much confidence on clay, but I think I can't say that anymore with the results I'm achieving. I've improved a lot in all my shots and physically as well. Also, the conditions here are a bit faster than usual clay courts, which helps. But yes, now I like clay."

Believes his generation can compete with Alcaraz and Sinner

"We will definitely try. I think they are still one step ahead, but that's why we play this sport, to have the opportunity to compete against them. It will be very difficult, but if you believe in it, you have a small chance."

Reveals the recipe for beating Ruud

"I tried to focus on my game and on myself as much as possible. If I focus too much on him, I mentally complicate things. So, I tried to serve strong and play the important points well."

His victory over Auger-Aliassime was a turning point

"Yes, it gave me some confidence. But as I said, here every match is tough, the level is very similar. I think I'm playing better in each match, and that's helping me win. It has also shown me that I can truly compete with the best in the world," says a Alexander Blockx who has become the main attraction of this Mutua Madrid Open 2026.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Blockx, la gran sorpresa de Madrid: "No sé cual es mi techo"