Alex de Minaur has made it to the third round of the French Open with just one win after Alexander Blockx withdrew from their second round match.
The Belgian youngster, who recently reached the semifinals of the Madrid Open, was forced out of the tie with an ankle injury.
Blockx overcame qualifier Coleman Wong in his opening match at the French Open, earning him a meeting with eighth seed De Minaur.
But he is unfortunately unable to compete in that clash, with the ATP number 37 now explaining exactly how the injury came about on social media.
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Alexander Blockx withdraws from Alex de Minaur match after ‘snap’ in his ankle
Blockx posted on his Instagram: “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.”
Showing his class, De Minaur was quick to comment on the post, writing: “So sorry to hear mate. Wishing a very speedy recovery.”
Blockx hasn’t been the only early casualty in Paris, with Cameron Norrie and Alexandre Muller having both retired hurt in their opening matches of the clay-court Grand Slam.
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Joao Fonseca and Eva Lys message Alexander Blockx after French Open withdrawal
Blockx is clearly a popular figure in the tennis world, with De Minaur certainly not the only player to reach out to him following his injury.
Their fellow ATP ace Joao Fonseca wrote: “Get well soon,” with Brandon Nakashima commenting: “Get better soon.”
And WTA star Eva Lys said: “I’m so sorry. Sending energy,” while his fellow Belgian Greet Minnen noted: “You will be back even stronger.”
It is indeed a real shame for the 21-year-old, who defeated the likes of Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime during that dream run in Madrid.
Hopefully he can return to full fitness in the very near future, with a maiden ATP title looking likely sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, De Minaur would not have liked to progress in such circumstances, but his focus now turns to a third round test against either Mariano Navone or Jakub Mensik.
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