A magnificent Zverev crushes Blockx's dream and will seek his revenge against Sinner

Andrés Tomás Rico | 1 May 2026 | 21.57

A magnificent Zverev crushes Blockx's dream and will seek his rematch with Sinner. Photo: Getty Images

Streaming Challenger Abidjan MD live tennis

🎾 Hands/Stewart vs Bittoun Kouzmine/Strombachs

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

Watch the match on Bet365

Alexander Zverev also joins the party of the Mutua Madrid Open. First, Jannik Sinner in the first semifinal, and now the German replicates in the second with incisive, serious, and very forceful tennis. Too much for Alexander Blockx, who was appearing for the first time in this stage, and although his serve kept him alive in the second set, he succumbs to the good performance of the world number three by 6-2, 7-5. Coincidentally, Zverev will seek his third title in Madrid next Sunday. He will try against a Sinner who has defeated him in the last eight encounters and whom he has not beaten since September 2023.

The pleasant evening in Madrid welcomed the second semifinal of the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open between two players, two Alexanders, facing each other for the first time: Alexander Zverev, double champion in 2018 and 2021, and Alexander Blockx, the tournament's great sensation who had already defeated players like Félix Auger-Aliassime and Casper Ruud, the title defender.

This was Alexander Zverev's big victory over Alexander Blockx in the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open semifinals

Blockx's performance took everyone by surprise, including the player himself, who did not expect this outstanding performance at the Caja Mágica, especially considering that until 2026 he had never achieved a victory in an ATP tournament on clay. He debuted in Monte Carlo with wins against Denis Shapovalov and Flavio Cobolli and followed with another victory against Yannick Hanfmann at the Munich ATP 500.

Nevertheless, the altitude in Madrid, where the ball is faster than in other clay tournaments, combined with his powerful serve, have been Blockx's main weapons, along with a very refined technique with both his forehand and backhand. Additionally, his height (6'4") did not hinder his agility on the court.

Despite Blockx's fantastic week in Madrid, playing a Masters 1000 semifinal against Alexander Zverev seemed to take its toll, as he lost his serve in the first game. Zverev's message was clear and forceful: if Blockx wanted to continue his dream run, he had to give his all.

Zverev started his journey in the Spanish capital somewhat subdued, cruising through rounds against Mariano Navone and Terence Atmane. However, starting from the round of 16, he raised his level against Jakub Mensik and showed his best form against Flavio Cobolli.

Zverev left no room with a great serve

The second seed appeared vastly superior from the start, dominating with his backhand. Not content with one break, he broke Blockx's serve again. Although Blockx showed effort, he could not do much on the return, and Zverev pocketed the first set 6-2 with spectacular tennis. Blockx wasn't playing poorly; Zverev was simply overwhelming.

In the beginning of the second set, the German adjusted his game. While no longer dominating, he remained solid on serve, and Blockx managed to hold his own serves. Zverev kept pushing for a break, wasting several chances to end the match after not converting the numerous break points he had, a total of 7, most of which Blockx saved with his best serves, refusing to wake up from his Madrid dream.

Blockx showed resistance, but Zverev sealed the deal

The decisive break came in the eleventh game, as the set approached its climax. Zverev, who was in top form, called it a day and secured his spot in his fourth Madrid final with a score of 6-2, 7-5.

After a dream Mutua Madrid Open, Alexander Blockx couldn't display his best game, but showed he can compete with the top players and is a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the clay court season. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev delivered his finest performance at the Caja Mágica and will face Jannik Sinner in the title match, with Sinner having won their last eight encounters. Will the ninth time be the charm?

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Un magnífico Zverev fulmina el sueño de Blockx y buscará su revancha con Sinner