Next Gen ATP Finals
Jeddah graduate Blockx has the game for Tour success
After four wins at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, it’s straight back to work for the Belgian as he prepares to make a mark on the ATP Tour in 2026
December 21, 2025
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Alexander Blockx in action at the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.
By ATP Staff
He didn’t win the day, but Jeddah finalist Alexander Blockx had a week to remember on debut at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.
After four straight wins to reach the final of the 20-and-under showpiece in Saudi Arabia, there was no shame in defeat to World No. 28 Learner Tien in Sunday’s title match.
“I think my Serve +1 got a lot better this tournament and I will take that into the new season,” Blockx said. “I also managed the pressure moments really well this week which will give me more confidence on the Tour when I have to play important points in big moments.
“I had a great tournament and I had fun on court today in the final, even when I was losing. I was just trying to enjoy every moment because it’s the last time I’ll ever experience a match like this. I had a few chances to break him back in the final game and that put a smile on my face. It’s been a really fun 10-11 days that I have been here in Jeddah.”
Throughout the week Blockx showcased a game well suited for success on the ATP Tour in future years: Impactful serving, ample power from the baseline and impressive movement for a young man standing 6’4”.
He clubbed 125 winners across five matches – including 50 aces – and dropped serve just seven times across five matches. The World No. 116 started the final putting 24 consecutive first serves into play, including a perfect 21-0 mark in the first set.
“It wasn’t a plan to go for a high percentage of first serves or for placement,” he said. “He was returning very well close to the baseline even though I was really going for it. I tried to serve with a lot of variety and sometimes you have matches where you make a lot of first serves.”
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Blockx, who defeated Tien in the 2023 Australian Open boys’ final in a dramatic third-set tie-break 11-9, will now undergo a training week in Dubai before beginning his 2026 season at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Canberra and Australian Open qualifying.
The first Belgian finalist in Next Gen ATP Finals history, Blockx won two Challenger titles this year (Oeiras-3 and Bratislava-2).
“Even though it’s been a very good week I’m going to get back to training next week and get ready for the new season,” Blockx said.