Fans react to 'nerve-wracking' United promotion
Fans celebrate as Cambridge United secures promotion to League One!
Alexander Blockx's impressive semifinal run at the Madrid Open has propelled him from 38th to 30th in the ATP rankings. His comments following the match have sparked widespread discussion.
Mentioned in this story
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
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
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.”
Alexander Blockx's words to Zverev after the match have generated significant conversation, though the specific content of his remarks is not detailed.
Blockx reached the semifinals of the Madrid Open, marking a notable achievement in his career.
Following his performance at the Madrid Open, Alexander Blockx has moved up to 30th in the ATP rankings.
Fans celebrate as Cambridge United secures promotion to League One!
Alice Hewson's late birdie run isn't enough to win in Mauritius.
Knicks face 76ers in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs: Key matchups to watch!
Celtic Players Rated: Johnston 8, Scales 6 in Hibernian Win
Jon Martin, a €50m defender for Real Sociedad, has dismissed rumors linking him to Real Madrid and Barcelona. The 20-year-old has expressed his desire to remain with the club long-term after signing a contract extension until 2031.
Alisson and Isak will miss Liverpool's clash with Manchester United due to injuries.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Zverev will now attempt to snap an eight-match losing streak against Sinner – whom he has not beaten since 2023 – in Sunday’s final.
Read more: