Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Alexander Blockx Makes Belgian History at US Open Quarterfinals
Alexander Blockx won a difficult tennis match at the US Open.
He beat Francisco Cerundolo in four sets.
This made him the first Belgian man to reach the tournament’s quarterfinals.
Blockx also had sharp pain in his rib during the match.
A doctor gave him medication to help with the pain.
He said he might have stopped playing if he had lost the third set.
Instead, he kept fighting and won the final two sets.
His next opponent is Karen Khachanov.
Alexander Blockx defeated Francisco Cerundolo in four sets to reach the US Open quarterfinals.
The 21-year-old, seeded 28th, became the first Belgian man to reach the tournament’s quarterfinals.
Blockx overcame sharp rib pain and received medication during the match.
He saved a 0-40 deficit at 5-5 in the third set before breaking Cerundolo.
Blockx will next face Karen Khachanov, who defeated Learner Tien in five sets.
- Who
- Alexander Blockx defeated Francisco Cerundolo.
- What
- Blockx reached the US Open quarterfinals for the first time, becoming the first Belgian man to do so.
- When
- Monday, during the 2026 US Open.
- Where
- New York, at Flushing Meadows.
- Why
- Blockx won 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 despite experiencing sharp rib pain.
- Match result
- Alexander Blockx defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5.
- Historic achievement
- Blockx became the first Belgian man to reach the US Open quarterfinals.
- Age and seeding
- Blockx is 21 years old and was seeded 28th.
- Injury concern
- Blockx played with sharp rib pain and received medication from a doctor.
- Previous upset
- Blockx defeated fifth-seeded Flavio Cobolli in the third round.
- Next opponent
- Blockx will play Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals.
- Khachanov’s result
- Khachanov defeated 14th-seeded Learner Tien 7-5, 4-6, 6-7 (6/8), 6-1, 6-4.