Emotional or savage? Alexander Blockx’s words to Zverev after Madrid Open defeat have everyone talking!

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Alexander Blockx emerges as a new name to watch in the ATP Tour after an impressive run

Blockx’s tournament run helped him climb up in the ATP rankings, as he moved from 38th place to 30th.

The Belgian, who has been ranked as high as number 20 in the world, later spoke about the significance of his semifinal appearance in Madrid.

Zverev beat Blockx in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, to set up a final showdown with world number one Jannik Sinner.

Blockx later posted on Instagram: “Two weeks that will stay with me for a very long time! Crazy good level from @alexzverev123 today, simply too good. Hope to be back next year @mutuamadridopen.”

This year’s Madrid Open was the fifth time Blockx has competed at an ATP Masters 1000 event. He made his first appearance at the Miami Open in 2025 and has since played in Canada, Cincinnati, Monte-Carlo and Madrid.

Photo by Miguel Reis/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Alexander Blockx praises Alexander Zverev’s well-rounded game

In his post-match press conference, Blockx had plenty of praise for Zverev, saying: “I think he has a very complete game.

“He serves really well. He returns really well. I felt a lot of pressure from the beginning already of the match and, yeah, I think he deserves to be in the final here. He was just better today, and that’s all I can say.

“I tried to, yeah, keep my serve up, as I did in the last matches. In the rally I tried a bit of everything.

“I tried to hold the rally, I tried to be aggressive, I tried to open up the court. I felt like he had an answer to everything. But, yeah, I just need to improve everything I’m doing now to hopefully have a chance the next time.”