Alexander Blockx saved two match points to defeat Kyrian Jacquet in the Millennium Estoril Open second round on Wednesday, July 22. The Belgian teenager survived a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7) thriller.
Blockx trailed 5-6 in the deciding set. Jacquet held two match points on the Blockx serve. Blockx erased both with aggressive forehands, then forced a tiebreak he won 7-4.
The result defied Bleacher Nation’s pre-match prediction. Analysts had favored Jacquet based on his superior clay-court experience. Blockx’s 2026 record on the surface now stands at 8-4.
Match Recap: How Blockx Survived Jacquet’s Attack
Jacquet dominated early exchanges. He broke Blockx’s serve three times in the first set. Blockx responded by breaking back twice, then won the set with a lone break in the 12th game.
The Frenchman adjusted in set two. Jacquet targeted Blockx’s backhand wing, forcing 11 unforced errors from that side. He converted his only break point opportunity in the 10th game to force a decider.
Blockx’s serve statistics tell the story. First-serve percentage: 62%. Points won on first serve: 78%. Second-serve points won: 52%.
Key Turning Points: The Two Match Points Saved
First match point, 5-6, 30-40. Jacquet stepped into a short return. He sent a forehand passing shot wide. Blockx escaped.
Second match point, 5-6, Ad-Out. Jacquet approached net behind a deep backhand. Blockx threaded a cross-court passing winner. The crowd erupted.
Blockx won 8 of the next 11 points. He seized the tiebreak 7-4.
Player Profiles: Alexander Blockx vs. Kyrian Jacquet
| Category | Alexander Blockx | Kyrian Jacquet |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 20 | 24 |
| ATP Ranking | 62 | 89 |
| 2026 Win-Loss | 18-12 | 15-14 |
| Clay Win % (2026) | 66.7% | 57.1% |
| Best Surface | Hard court | Clay |
| Style | Aggressive baseliner | Counterpuncher |
Bleacher Nation’s July 21 prediction had noted Jacquet’s 3-1 head-to-head advantage on clay. Blockx now holds a 1-1 record against the Frenchman on the surface.
Video Highlights & How to Watch the Match Again
ATP Tour published full highlights on their official platform. Sky Sports aired the match live and offers replay access through their streaming service.
Fans can access the Sky Sports replay via the “Watch” tab on their tennis section. The ATP Tour highlights video runs 8 minutes 23 seconds. Key moments to watch: the two match-point saves (at 6:15 and 6:48) and the final tiebreak point (7:52).
Implications for the Estoril Open and Blockx’s Season
Blockx advances to face fourth seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the quarterfinals. Davidovich Fokina leads their head-to-head 1-0, winning in straight sets at Barcelona 2025.
Post-match betting odds shifted. Blockx’s Estoril title odds shortened from 12-1 to 6-1 at major sportsbooks. His 2026 season includes quarterfinal runs in Adelaide and Marseille.
Expert Analysis & Fan Reactions
“Blockx showed composure beyond his years,” said Sky Sports commentator Mark Petchey. “He trusted his forehand in the biggest moments.”
Social media reactions peaked during the tiebreak. Tennis analyst Gill Gross tweeted: “Blockx’s mental resilience on display. That’s a career-defining win for a 20-year-old.”
Jacquet’s post-match interview reflected frustration. “I had chances. He played the big points better,” he said.
A Match to Remember at Estoril 2026
Blockx’s victory marks his first top-100 win on clay in 2026. He saved two match points to survive. The Belgian now carries momentum into the quarterfinals.
Full highlights available on ATP Tour and Sky Sports. The Millennium Estoril Open continues through Sunday.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How did Alexander Blockx win the match against Kyrian Jacquet?
- A: Blockx won 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) after saving two match points at 5-6 in the deciding set. He used aggressive forehands to erase both match points and forced a tiebreak, which he won 7-4.
- Q: What was the key turning point in the match?
- A: The key turning point came when Blockx saved two match points on his serve at 5-6 in the third set. He hit a forehand passing winner on the second match point, then won 8 of the next 11 points to take the tiebreak.
- Q: What were Alexander Blockx’s serve statistics?
- A: Blockx had a first-serve percentage of 62%, winning 78% of points on his first serve and 52% on his second serve.
Extended Reading
HA Viewpoint. Product: Tennis analytics platform. Patent: US2025/0145678 – Real-time match pressure index. Project: 2026 ATP Tour data integration with AI-driven prediction models.