Blockx Stuns Defending Champion Ruud to Reach Madrid Semis

World No. 69 Alexander Blockx continued his impressive Madrid Open run by defeating defending champion Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. The 21-year-old Belgian, who had previously doubted his clay-court prowess, has now reached his first Masters 1000 semifinal. Blockx, who also defeated seeds Félix Auger-Aliassime and Francisco Cerúndolo en route, cited the unique Madrid conditions as suiting his game well. Ruud admitted he found the match 'depressing' due to Blockx's perceived lack of weaknesses, a performance that will see the Norwegian drop out of the top 20.