Alexander Blockx has rewritten the history books. With a grueling four-set victory over Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo, the Belgian tennis player booked his spot in the quarterfinals of the US Open.
Blockx Makes History at Flushing Meadows
It is a watershed moment. No Belgian man has ever reached the last eight at Flushing Meadows before.
The match stretched past the three-hour mark inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City.
Early Discomfort and Medical Intervention
The road to the quarterfinals was far from smooth.
Blockx faced immediate physical hurdles under the bright lights of New York. Early in the contest, he experienced discomfort in his broad back muscle. The issue forced him to take a medical timeout for treatment.
At the same time, his forehand struggled to find its usual rhythm. Yet, his composure held.
During a high-stakes opening set, Blockx neutralized multiple break-point opportunities held by Cerúndolo. The world number 25 struggled to capitalize, converting just one of nine total break chances. Blockx capitalized on those missed opportunities to grind out a 6-3 win in the first set.
Swinging Momentum Under Pressure
Cerúndolo refused to fade quietly.
The Argentine regrouped in the second set, applying sustained court pressure that eventually leveled the match at one set apiece.
Blockx answered back. Reclaiming the initiative in the third set, he seized control after capitalizing on a crucial double fault from his opponent.
The fourth set devolved into a tense war of attrition. Both competitors fought tooth and nail, struggling to hold their service games as mounting pressure gripped the court.
The contest ended abruptly when Cerúndolo struck a decisive shot wide of the lines. As the ball sailed out, Blockx dropped straight to the court in celebration.
Building on Past Success
This breakthrough victory marks the first time Blockx has ever reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament.
Familiarity bred success in New York. The two players had previously met earlier in the season on clay in Madrid, where Blockx also walked away with a win against Cerúndolo.
He advanced to this round following a notable upset over American tournament favorite Taylor Fritz, carving out a challenging path that Blockx ultimately dismantled to secure his historic place in the final eight.
Related reading
