Tennis, ATP – Mutua Madrid Open 2026: Blockx defeats Ruud

Alexander Blockx (world No. 69), a 21-year-old Belgian from Antwerp, defeated defending champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday at the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, ending Ruud's nine-match Madrid winning streak. Blockx, who began 2026 ranked No. 117, defeated five opponents including Garin, Nakashima, Auger-Aliassime, Cerundolo, and Ruud to reach his first Masters 1000 semi-final. He became only the third Belgian player in Masters history to reach a semi-final at this level.