Alexander Blockx advanced to the Estoril Open semifinals at the ATP 250 clay-court event in Portugal, defeating Roman Andres Burruchaga 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 to secure only the second semifinal appearance of his career at tour level.
The Belgian's run through the draw was far from routine. In his round-of-16 match against Kyrian Jacquet on July 22, Blockx saved two match points in the third set before prevailing 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). He then overcame Burruchaga, who had earlier eliminated Nuno Borges in the second round.
Blockx, the sole Belgian in the main draw, will face either Portugal's Jaime Faria or Italy's Luciano Darderi in the last four. His previous ATP semifinal came at the Madrid Masters 1000 earlier this year.