Alexander Blockx eliminates Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 and advances to the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters By Carolina Costa
3 min read
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Alexander Blockx defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 this Thursday. The 21-year-old Belgian, number 69 in the world, eliminated the 12th seed and defending champion on court Manolo Santana, in Madrid. The match lasted around 93 minutes.
Blockx opened the match by serving first. Ele maintained control on the red clay throughout both sets. Partial Cada was defined by few decisive games. The Belgian took advantage of the important moments with consistency.
BLOCK-ED IN. 🔒 🇧🇪
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 30, 2026
Alexander Blockx defeats defending champion Casper Ruud to make a first-ever Masters 1000 semi-final! pic.twitter.com/8f9GmddWN5
Blockx imposes pace from the start
The Belgian was focused and didn’t give up any unnecessary breaks. Ruud, vice-leader of the ranking in recent moments, tried to put pressure on, but found quick responses. Blockx won the first set in 48 minutes. Ele repeated the dose in the second.
- Serviu first in both sets and set the pace
- Manteve depth in shots to neutralize Ruud’s forehand
- Aproveitou small margins in Norwegian service games
- Evitou unforced errors on long exchanges
- Fechou the match without giving up critical break points
The game followed a clear pattern. Poucas momentum swings marked the sets. Blockx managed the score efficiently.
Detalhes of the match on clay
The Manolo Santana court received a good audience. Blockx handled the conditions well. Ele used drop shots and backhand winners from deep to keep his rival off balance. Ruud tried to vary, including with low volleys, but the Belgian responded in kind.
The second set followed the same script as the first. Blockx broke at the right time and confirmed the service. The match ended without a tie-break. The Norwegian was unable to repeat the performance that took him to the title last year.
Caminho from Blockx to the semi-finals
The young Belgian was already coming off important victories in the tournament. Ele beat opponents in previous rounds, including a top 10. The campaign shows progress on the clay surface. Agora competes for a place in the final against the winner on the other side of the bracket.
Ruud was defending the title won in 2025. Ele had overcome challenges in the previous rounds, including saving match points against another rival. Elimination interrupts the defense of the trophy.
What changes for the two tennis players
Blockx gains confidence for the rest of the season. The victory against an established player on clay raises his ranking and opens the door for more Masters. Ele demonstrated patience and tactical clarity throughout the match.
Ruud leaves Madrid with important points added. The Norwegian remains competitive on the circuit, but will need to adjust details to get back on track to titles. European clay remains demanding.
Estatísticas quick confrontation
- Duração total: approximately 93 minutes
- Sets: two, both 6-4
- Tempo of the first set: 48 minutes
- Tempo from the second set: 45 minutes
- Quadra: Manolo Santana, clay
- Cabeça key: Ruud number 12
Blockx now awaits his next opponent in the semi-finals. The tournament continues with other important duels at Caja Mágica.
