The trio follows in the footsteps of the outgoing David Goffin, who made his final French Open appearance earlier this week in the second round of qualifying. The impact the former world No. 7 has made back home cannot be understated, stresses Blockx.
“I think he was the best Belgian male tennis player we ever had. Did a lot of great things. Brought Belgium to the Davis Cup Finals two times, played the finals at the Nitto ATP Finals. If we could sign a paper with his career, we would immediately sign it,” declared Blockx.
“It’s definitely something we cannot take for granted. It’s sad that he will be retiring at the end of the season but at the other side, he’s had an amazing career. The next generation is competing so high right now, Raphael and Zizou are playing amazing tennis this year. He definitely has a few Belgians to back him up in the future.”
Blockx is seeking his first career major match win, having previously contested the Australian Open in January as a lucky loser. He faces Coleman Wong, a lucky loser here, Sunday on Court 8. The winner is projected to meet eighth-seed Alex de Minaur in the second round.
