Blockx rocking to beat champion Ruud and reach Madrid Open semi-finals

21-year-old Belgian Jamie Alexander Blockx defeated defending champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the Madrid Open quarter-finals on Thursday, becoming the fourth lowest-ranked player (world number 69) to reach the last four of the tournament. Blockx, who had not won an ATP Tour clay match before a third-round run in Monte Carlo three weeks ago, also beat third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and Francisco Cerundolo en route to the semi-finals. Injured Carlos Alcaraz was present at the event to support his younger brother.