The French Open has suffered another blow, as talented Belgian Alexander Blockx announced his withdrawal ahead of his second-round clash with Alex de Minaur. The world No. 37 enjoyed a breakthrough clay season, reaching the semi-finals in Madrid and the last 16 in Monte Carlo.
Blockx beat Coleman Wong in straight sets in his opening match on Sunday and was due to face No. 8 seed De Minaur in the first match of the day on Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Wednesday morning. But he is now out of the tournament.
Organisers announced the news on social media on Tuesday afternoon, writing: “Alexander Blockx has withdrawn from his second round match, Alex de Minaur is therefore through to the third round. Wishing you a speedy recovery Alex.”
It’s been a horror day for withdrawals, as three players retired mid-match. French hope Alexandre Muller called it quits while facing former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas on Court Philippe-Chatrier due to a calf injury, and was in tears as he left the court.
British No. 1 Cameron Norrie was also forced to retire at the beginning of the second set of his match against Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. He blew four set points in a tiebreak and called the doctor early in set two while struggling with a rib issue that also bothered him ahead of the tournament.
Norrie ultimately retired with Vallejo leading 7-6(7) 2-0. The world No. 24 is now hoping to be back in time for Queen’s, which begins on June 15. This was the first retirement of his professional tour-level career, and he said: “I thought it would be ready, but I was obviously too soon.
“I think just a little bit mentally tired, not having the ability mentally to put the pain away, the pain aside, and just play point for point with a guy, and I know I’m playing so well, so that was even more frustrating, and even at 20 per cent today, I was able to compete with the guy.
“For me, I never retired in my career. And I started, I was not playing at my full level at some point in the match. So it was going to be tough. Maybe I could get through the match today, but then at what cost? Something else could have happened.”
Minutes after Blockx’s withdrawal was announced, another player retired mid-match. Sebastian Baez received treatment during the third set of his match against fellow Argentine Roman Andres Burruchaga, but ultimately retired with Burruchaga leading 2-6 7-5 6-2 2-0.