Alexander Blockx described his run at the US Open as “one of the craziest experiences of my career so far” after reaching the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Speaking on court after the match, the Belgian said: “I think that was one of the craziest experiences of my career so far. The atmosphere here is incredible.”
He added: “After the first set, I just told myself to stay calm. I was not playing badly, I think I was even producing very good tennis. And I know deep down that I am a fighter and that I will battle until the last ball. Today, it paid off.”
Blockx’s breakthrough marks the first time the Belgian number one has reached the round of 16 at a Grand Slam event. Until now, he had won only one match in the main draw at Roland-Garros at the end of May, before suffering an ankle injury, and at the start of the year he was still ranked 115th in the ATP standings.
“Maybe I would have thought it would happen a little later. But I believe I have always had that conviction that one day it would eventually happen. On the other hand, I certainly did not think it would come this quickly. Of course, it is also thanks to my team. It is thanks to them that I am here today,” Blockx continued.
He will face Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, ranked ATP No. 25, in the next round.
“Right now, I am really tired. Actually, no. Let’s say that for a battle like that, I feel pretty good, but I will clearly need a good recovery.”
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