Two-time former Madrid champion Zverev, ranked third in the world, showed his quality as he defeated Atmane 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the fourth round.
Serving well, Zverev kept the Frenchman at arm's length in the first set with two breaks.
Got the job done ✅@AlexZverev gets past Atmane 6-3, 7-6(2).@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/z19xZBFmQh
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 27, 2026
The second was closer with Atmane battling well, and Zverev spurned two match points before triumphing in the tie-break.
Young Belgian Blockx, ranked 69th in the world, caused a shock with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 victory over Canadian Auger-Aliassime, his first win against a top-10 player.
THE BIGGEST WIN OF HIS CAREER 💥@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/DWUW7HavJz
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 27, 2026
"I had so much confidence," he explained.
"I didn't even think about panicking or losing my serve.
"I was playing well in the rallies, too, so I knew even if I missed a few serves, I could play the rallies."
Daniil Medvedev, who has reached the quarterfinals in each of the last two years despite not being a fan of clay, beat Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 6-3, 6-2.
Another day at the office 💼
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 27, 2026
Next stop for @DaniilMedwed: The Round of 16. @MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/W5OXaHLPVT
Casper Ruud eased to a 6-3, 6-1 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to reach the last 16, while Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Daniel Merida 6-4, 6-2.