Alexander Blockx produced an upset at the Mutua Madrid Open on Monday, defeating Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(3), 6-3 to advance to the last 16, according to Tennis Majors. The result marks the biggest win of the Belgian's career and his second consecutive Masters 1000 round-of-16 appearance.
Blockx, ranked No. 53 and a former world No. 1 junior, was composed and clinical throughout the match against the seeded Canadian. The 20-year-old's composed performance on the Spanish hard court demonstrated his rising capability at the Masters 1000 level, where consistency against top-ranked opponents remains a significant challenge for most emerging players.
The loss removes Auger-Aliassime from Madrid's draw and shifts focus to his remaining spring schedule ahead of the French Open.
