Blockx Upsets Ruud to Reach Madrid Semifinals

Belgium's Alexander Blockx upset defending champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday, advancing to his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal at the Caja Magica in Madrid, Spain.

The 21-year-old Blockx, who entered the main draw after Poland's Kamil Majchrzak withdrew, dominated the straight-sets victory in 96 minutes on the outdoor clay of Manolo Santana Stadium. Blockx broke Ruud's serve early in the first set and capitalized on a ninth-game mishap when Ruud's racket strings snapped during a volley, allowing the Belgian to pull ahead 5-4 before serving out the set. In the second set, Blockx remained composed, converting a late break with a backhand winner down the line to seal the match on his fourth match point. He won 69 percent of points overall, including 85 percent on first serve, while converting three of seven break opportunities.

Ruud, the world number 15 and a three-time Grand Slam finalist, struggled with unforced errors and converted just one of three break points. The Norwegian saved match points in his previous round against Stefanos Tsitsipas but could not overcome Blockx's aggressive baseline play and solid serving.