Blockx Endures a Grueling Match to Secure Semi-Final Spot at Cap Cana Challenger
Billy Harris triumphs in a record-breaking three-hour, 20-minute epic in Phoenix
March 14, 2026
MercaFilms
Alexander Blockx revels in his rigorous quarter-final win at the Cap Cana Challenger.
By ATP Staff
Under the blazing Caribbean sun and in sticky humidity, Alexander Blockx displayed remarkable resilience on Friday, fighting his way into the semi-finals of the ATP Challenger 175 event in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic.
The reigning Next Gen ATP Finals runner-up withstood a fierce battle against Coleman Wong, coming back to claim victory with scores of 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 after a grueling two hours and 30 minutes that tested the limits of both players. Fresh off a three-hour marathon just a day earlier, Blockx celebrated his hard-won quarter-final victory by collapsing to the ground in relief.
“When I woke up this morning, I thought, ‘It can’t get any tougher than yesterday.’ But this was one of the most physically demanding matches I’ve ever played,” the 20-year-old shared. “I struggled with the heat in the first set after yesterday’s match. The second set was an eternity, every point felt like a battle. I just kept pushing forward.”
Blockx will NEVER back down 😱
The Belgian prevails in a 2.5 hour epic 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 for a Cap Cana semi-final spot! #ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/tl8z7xYFZg
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) March 13, 2026
Blockx now boasts a remarkable 12-2 record this season on the ATP Challenger circuit. After winning the Canberra Challenger earlier this year, he also reached the final in Lille, France, last month. Currently ranked No. 89 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, the Belgian is on track to surpass his career-high of No. 94.
Next up for the four-time Challenger champion is Argentine Mariano Navone, who secured his place in the semi-finals after defeating second seed Valentin Royer 6-2, 7-6(5).
In other matches at the Republica Dominicana Open – Copa Cap Cana, Australian Adam Walton caused an upset against Miomir Kecmanovic, prevailing 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 to advance to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Mattia Bellucci defeated fifth seed Raphael Collignon with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
Briton Harris Claims Longest Match in Phoenix Challenger’s History
Marathon matches defined the ATP Challenger scene on Friday. Alongside Blockx’s valiant victory, Briton Billy Harris triumphed in a stunning three-hour, 20-minute duel against Adrian Mannarino at the Arizona Tennis Classic.
3️⃣ hours and 2️⃣0️⃣ minutes 🤯
Billy Harris takes an epic battle against No.3 seed Mannarino 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4 to reach the @aztennisclassic semifinals! #ATPChallenger | @the_LTA pic.twitter.com/bnE1gwzn9r
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) March 13, 2026
In a historic match for the tournament, Harris emerged victorious over the third-seeded Frenchman with a score of 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4, moving into the semi-finals in Phoenix where he will face Ethan Quinn. The American, who just celebrated his 22nd birthday on Thursday, triumphed over Benjamin Bonzi with a score of 7-6(4), 7-6(7). Quinn made an incredible comeback from 0/5 down in the second-set tie-break to win seven of the next nine points and advance.
Top seed Corentin Moutet, currently ranked No. 33 in the PIF ATP Rankings, overcame Nikoloz Basilashvili with a score of 7-6(5), 6-4, and is set to meet either two-time champion Nuno Borges or American Marcos Giron in the semi-finals.
