Blockx outlasts Cerundolo in four sets at US Open

Alexander Blockx reached the US Open quarterfinals by beating Francisco Cerundolo 6-3 4-6 7-5 7-5 in a Round of 16 match decided by narrow margins in the closing sets. The Belgian's serve carried him through: 10 aces against Cerundolo's 5, and 74.0% of points won behind his first delivery compared with 72.2% for the Argentine. Blockx landed only 55.8% of his first serves and coughed up 7 double faults, yet he won 47.5% of second-serve points to Cerundolo's 45.3%, enough to edge two 7-5 sets. It was a statement result on hard courts for Blockx.