Alexander Blockx has revealed that he “heard a snap” in his ankle, which forced him to pull out of the French Open. The world No. 37 suddenly announced his withdrawal on Tuesday, less than 24 hours before he was due to face eighth seed Alex de Minaur in Wednesday’s first match on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
It later emerged that he had sprained his ankle, and the Belgian star released a statement confirming something “snapped” during a practice session. And De Minaur showed his class as he sent his well-wishes to the 21-year-old in the comments.
“Unfortunately during today’s practice i heard a snap in my ankle while i sprained it, which is why i had to withdraw from tomorrow’s match that i was really looking forward to. A lot of frustration but we move on,” Blockx wrote on Instagram hours after his withdrawal was announced.
Minutes after it was posted, De Minaur wrote: “So sorry to hear mate. Wishing a very speedy recovery.”
Announcing news of Blockx’s withdrawal on social media, French Open organisers said: “Alexander Blockx has withdrawn from his second round match, Alex de Minaur is therefore through to the third round.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.”
A match between 13th seed Karen Khachanov and Argentine ace Marco Trungelliti was then moved to the first session slot on Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Wednesday.
De Minaur has advanced to the third round via walkover and will face either 26th seed Jakub Mensik or Mariano Navone. And the Aussie wasn’t the only one who reached out to Blockx after he was forced to pull out.
German star Eva Lys wrote: “im so sorry. sending energy.” Fellow Belgian player Raphael Collignon commented: “Courage goat.” And countrywomen Greet Minnen and Yanina Wickmayer also sent their best to the gutted 21-year-old.
Blockx had enjoyed a breakthrough clay season, reaching the semi-finals in Madrid and the last 16 in Monte-Carlo, where he coincidentally lost to De Minaur. The world No. 37 had been making his French Open debut and beat Coleman Wong in his opening match.
And he was one of several players whose French Open campaigns came to an early end on Tuesday, as there were three mid-match retirements in the men’s draw. French hope Alexandre Muller was in tears when he had to retire with a calf injury while trailing Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 3-0 on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
British No. 1 Cameron Norrie retired from a tour-level match for the first time in his career due to a rib injury, and said he didn’t want to risk anything. Norrie called it quits with Adolfo Daniel Vallejo leading 7-6 2-0. And Sebastian Baez had to retire in the fourth set of a clash with his countryman, Roman Andres Burruchaga.