Alexander Blockx is on a dream run in Madrid. On his way to the quarter-finals, he defeated two top players. He is now guaranteed a place in the top 50 of the ATP rankings. Can he go one round further against Casper Ruud, a two-time Roland Garros finalist?
First Set to Blockx
Blockx made it through his own serve to take the first set. He is now one set away from the semi-finals.
Just when Casper Ruud seemed to be taking control, Blockx showed his fighting spirit. He forced a break chance and had some luck when a string broke in Ruud’s racket during a net volley. Blockx then led 5-4 and had the chance to serve for the set.
Ruud Battles in Second Set
There was a lot of fight at the start of set 2, but no breaks as Ruud took a 3-2 lead. Blockx reached 0-30 in a Ruud service game, but Ruud recovered with four points in a row.
Ruud made it difficult for Blockx in some duels at the net. This led to a break point, but Blockx recovered.
Casper Ruud is not giving Blockx anything, but the young Belgian ultimately finished it off on his own serve.
Early Break for Blockx
Casper Ruud is making too many mistakes on his forehand, and Blockx is taking advantage with a 3-1 lead.
Blockx made it clear with a hand gesture that he was impressed with his own point. With a strong sprint, the Antwerp native was just in time for a dropshot. He placed the ball back over the net with a lot of feel, taking his first break of the match to love.
Net Issues Pause Play
Not for Alexander Blockx, but with the net. Something came loose on the net, forcing Blockx and Ruud to watch from the sidelines for a moment. Blockx had already made the Norwegian work hard for his first service game.
Casper Ruud reduced his error count and managed to cause Blockx problems for the first time, levelling the score at 4-4.