Alexander Blockx said he heard something 'snap' in his ankle (Image: Getty)
Alexander Blockx has disclosed that he "heard a snap" in his ankle, forcing him to withdraw from the French Open. The world No. 37 made the sudden announcement on Tuesday, less than 24 hours before he was scheduled to face eighth seed Alex de Minaur in Wednesday's opening matchon Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
It subsequently emerged that he had suffered a sprained ankle, with the Belgian star releasing a statement confirming something "snapped" during a training session.De Minaurdemonstrated his sportsmanship by sending his well-wishes to the 21-year-old in the comments section.
"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 posted on Instagram shortly after his withdrawal was confirmed. Meanwhile,Naomi Osaka makes feelings clear on Serena Williams making tennis comeback.
Within minutes, De Minaur responded: "So sorry to hear mate. Wishing a very speedy recovery."
In announcing Blockx's withdrawal on social media, French Open organizers stated: "Alexander Blockx has withdrawn from his second round match, Alex de Minaur is therefore through to the third round.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."
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As a result, a match between 13th seed Karen Khachanov and Argentine player Marco Trungelliti was moved to fill the opening session slot on Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Wednesday. De Minaur has progressed to the third round by walkover and will meet either 26th seed Jakub Mensik or Mariano Navone. The Australian wasn't alone in reaching out to Blockx following his withdrawal.
German player Eva Lys expressed: "im so sorry. sending energy." Belgian compatriot Raphael Collignon added: "Courage goat." Fellow countrywomen Greet Minnen and Yanina Wickmayer also offered their support to the disappointed 21-year-old.
Blockx had experienced a standout clay season, advancing to the semi-finals in Madrid and the round of 16 in Monte-Carlo, where he coincidentally fell to De Minaur. The world No. 37 was making his French Open debut and defeated Coleman Wong in his first-round match.
He was among multiple players whose French Open runs ended prematurely on Tuesday, as three mid-match retirements occurred in the men's draw. French hopeful Alexandre Muller was visibly emotional when forced to withdraw with a calf injury while down 6-2 3-0 to Stefanos Tsitsipas on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
British No. 1 Cameron Norrie withdrew from a tour-level match for the first time in his career due to a rib injury, stating he didn't want to take any chances. Norrie stopped play with Adolfo Daniel Vallejo ahead 7-6 2-0. Sebastian Baez also had to withdraw in the fourth set of his encounter with fellow countryman Roman Andres Burruchaga.
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