MADRID — Two-time former Madrid champion Alexander Zverev, ranked third in the world, showed his quality as he defeated Atmane 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the fourth round.
Serving well, Zverev kept the Frenchman at arm’s length in the first set with two breaks, AFP reported.
The second was closer with Atmane battling well, and Zverev spurned two match points before triumphing in the tie-break.
Young Belgian Blockx, ranked 69th in the world, caused a shock with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 victory over Canadian Auger-Aliassime, his first win against a top-10 player.
“I had so much confidence,” he explained.
“I didn’t even think about panicking or losing my serve.
“I was playing well in the rallies, too, so I knew even if I missed a few serves, I could play the rallies.”
Daniil Medvedev, who has reached the quarterfinals in each of the last two years despite not being a fan of clay, beat Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 6-3, 6-2.
Casper Ruud eased to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to reach the last 16, while Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Daniel Merida 6-4, 6-2.
