Alexander Blockx's fairy tale at the Caja Mágica reached new heights on Monday. The 20-year-old Belgian dispatched Felix Auger-Aliassime, the third seed and world No. 4, in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-3, in just 93 minutes of clinical tennis on the Madrid clay.
From the opening exchanges, Blockx displayed a composure that belied his age. He faced just one break point in the entire match and saved it immediately, while his serving remained impeccable throughout. The first-set tiebreak was a masterclass in big-point execution: the Belgian raced to a 7-3 win, never allowing the Canadian to settle into his trademark power game.
The second set was even more emphatic. Blockx broke at the right moment and rode his confidence to the finish line. "I had so much confidence out there today," he said courtside after the biggest win of his career. Auger-Aliassime, for his part, looked devoid of answers against the all-court variety thrown at him.
This victory makes Blockx the first Belgian man to defeat a Top 5 opponent on clay since David Goffin managed the feat several seasons ago. A former Australian Open junior champion in 2023, the Antwerp native had already signaled his progress by reaching the last 16 at Monte-Carlo earlier this month. Madrid confirms the trajectory is real.
Blockx has now surged to around No. 53 in the live rankings, having started the season at No. 117. He will face 16th seed in the fourth round, another test for a young man who appears immune to pressure.
