HAMBURG, March 15, 2024
Alexander Blockx is the youngest player left in the singles draw at this week’s Challenger Hamburg. The 18-year-old is quickly emerging as one of the most promising talents in men’s tennis. Hailing from Belgium, Blockx reached a career-high junior ranking of World No. 1 in singles and doubles after winning the 2023 Australian Open boys singles title – the first Belgian male to do so in Melbourne – and finishing runner-up alongside Joao Fonseca in doubles.
As Blockx transitioned to the Pro Circuit, he continued to impress with his performances, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. With each match, he gains valuable experience and demonstrates his potential to become a formidable force in the world of tennis. We met the World No. 307, who captured his first two titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour in Sunderland and Glasgow last year, for an interview.
Tennis TourTalk: Alexander, how would you describe your own game style?
Alexander Blockx: I am an all-rounder. I can defend and attack well. I have a pretty good serve. I don’t think that there’s one specific shot to mention. I can do a bit of everything but there are still many things to improve, in particular in tough situations during a match.
How did you first get started in tennis, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
I started with tennis when I was almost four years old. I actually went to a tournament watching my older brother playing. Philippe Cassiers, who is my coach today, asked my parents if the little guy also wants to try to hit some balls. That’s how it started. Since then I have played almost every day and I am still with him. It has been a long journey. I still enjoy it and that’s the most important thing.
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
Where are you based? And do you get any support from the Belgian Tennis Federation?
I live in Antwerp in the Flemish part of Belgium, and practice at the Federation’s venue. They support me a lot and I am thankful for that. The coach, who is with me here in Hamburg, is Tom Devries, the head coach of the Federation. He travels now and then with me. It’s working really well.
How would you describe the situation about tennis in Belgium in general?
Twenty years ago we probably had more players at the top: Malisse, Rochus and so on. Now, there are less players but a lot are close to break through. New tournaments held in Belgium help in this process. It’s going the right direction and hopefully we will get even more events in the future.
You are one of the country’s most promising talents. You won the Australian Open juniors title last year. How was the experience down under?
Very good. It was my first time in Australia. Conditions were not that easy, as it was very hot. I managed it well. I was seeded third and went there with the goal to win the tournament. Eventually, I did. It was not really a surprise for me but it still feels amazing to have won a Grand Slam. It also helps a lot with the junior acceleration spots in the Challengers.
What are the main challenges to establish yourself at senior’s level?
It was tough at the beginning. At my first Futures tournaments I really had to get used to the locations and the opponents. You have to start from nothing. You haven’t earned any points and don’t have any experience. However, I managed to adapt quickly and didn’t play too many Futures. The once I competed in I did well, especially at the end of last season. Now, I am doing well at Challenger level. There is still room to improve but I start to feel it’s getting better and better. It’s a matter of time that I can maybe win a big title. I am looking forward to go this path.
You claimed two titles on the Pro Circuit at tournaments in Great Britain held indoors on hard court. Are these your favourite conditions?
Yes, by far. I have practiced my whole life in these conditions. I qualified in Antwerp for my first ATP Tour main draw and also made two Challenger semi-finals on indoor hard. The results show that this suits my game best, at least right now. Of course I also want to improve on other surfaces.
What are your hobbies off-the court?
I like to game sometimes and watch some series or movies on Netflix. I am not the guy, who goes out a lot, attending parties. I am more a bit on my own.
Do you like other sports?
I like Formula 1 and also follow the Netflix series “Drive to survive”. I don’t follow football that much anymore.
Is it your first time in Hamburg?
No, I played here four years ago at a Grade 4 Juniors tournament, just before the start of the pandemic. They shut down the tournament because of Covid. I remember that we were warming up for a doubles match and then the referee came and told us that we will have 10 minutes to leave the club and the country. It was crazy and a once in a lifetime experience.
What can we still expect from you this week?
I hope to go all the way. I have beaten two very good players (Maks Kasnikowski and Yunchaokete Bu) in my first two matches. It’s getting tougher and tougher. I just try to play my best and then we’ll say.
Thank you and all the best.
Interview: Florian Heer
