Alexander Blockx vs. Federico Cina
Blockx, a 21 from Belgium, has only been widely known for about two months, but he already looks like he’s here to stay. In fact, by the time he reached the semifinals in Madrid last week, it felt like he had been around for years. Maybe that’s because he fits the profile of a modern, top-level ATP player so perfectly. In other words, he’s a 6’4 European with a strong serve, topspin forehand, and two-handed backhand.
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His good spring results have him up to No. 36 in the rankings; that’s not high enough to be seeded in Rome, but he should make the cut at the Slams. On Wednesday, though, he’ll be asked to do something he hasn’t had to do all that much yet: Play someone younger. Cina is a 19-year-old from Palermo who was ranked as high as No. 4 in the juniors, and should have the Italian crowd behind him.
As a pro, though, Cina hasn’t been ranked higher than No. 183. He may make his own Blockx-like breakthrough at some point, but I’m guessing it won’t be on Wednesday. Winner: Blockx
