Alexander Blockx beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in the third round of the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, and the Belgian left with two firsts from the win. It was his first career victory against a top-5 player and his first trip to the round of 16 in a Masters 1000.
Blockx said after the match: "It has been a very special victory today, my first win against a top-5 player, against Felix." He also said, "Sharing the court with him is already a privilege, and winning makes it even better."
Madrid Run for Blockx
The result capped a steady climb through the draw. Blockx opened with a three-set win over Cristian Garin after dropping the first set 4-6, then came back again to beat Brandon Nakashima in three sets before facing Auger-Aliassime.
That route matters because it left him with a direct path into the round of 16, a stage he reached in a Masters 1000 for the first time. Blockx, who is from Belgium, also entered the match having won three of his last five matches.
Auger-Aliassime in Madrid
Auger-Aliassime had arrived with recent form of his own, having won four of his last five matches. He had also opened his Madrid campaign by beating K. Gaubas in straight sets without facing a breakpoint.
The matchup was listed for 27.04.2026 16:30 CEST, and the win over Blockx ended Auger-Aliassime's run in the third round. Blockx later said of his opponent, "He is an incredible player and also a great person off the court."
Francisco Cerúndolo Next
Blockx's next opponent mentioned in the draw was Francisco Cerúndolo, with a quarterfinal place at stake. For Blockx, the immediate change is clear: he has moved into the last 16 in Madrid with a top-5 victory already on his record.
