Alexander Blockx reacts after shocking Casper Ruud upset

Blockx said: “I’m feeling good. It’s been two weeks since I’ve been here.

“The day before the qualies started, I did not even know if I would get into the main draw.

“Eventually, I got in, and to be standing here is unbelievable.

“I never expected this to happen.”

The Belgian was ranked outside the world’s top 100 at the beginning of the year but now sits 35th in the ‘Live ATP Rankings’, one place behind another impressive youngster, Rafael Jodar.

He could yet break into the top 30 with a semi-final win…

The next couple of years after Bolton were challenging for Blockx as he had some growth spurts that led to knee pain and limited his play.

He gained confidence after winning the Australian Open juniors at 17 and steadily improved from there.

Who’s next for Alexander Blockx in the Madrid Open semi-finals?

Blockx is set to face either Flavio Cobolli or Alexander Zverev in the Madrid Open semi-finals.

While he hasn’t played Zverev on the ATP Tour yet, he did recently get the better of Cobolli at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Given that result, Blockx may feel more confident going up against Cobolli again. But considering Zverev’s track record in Madrid, it wouldn’t be surprising if it’s him standing across the net.

The quarter-final between Zverev and Cobolli is scheduled for Thursday evening, so Blockx will soon know who his opponent will be.