Full house for the 36th edition of the Grand Prix Hassan II. After two years of inactivity, the clay competition held its share of surprises with the ascent to the final of the Slovak Alex Molcan, and the exploit of the Belgian David Goffin crowned winner. In an exclusive interview with 360 Sport, Hicham Arazi, tournament director, talks about the highlights.
World-renowned players, highlights and a conquered public… three arguments that plead in favor of the success of the 36th edition of the Hassan II Grand Prix which, in many respects, paid off. “After two blank years due to the pandemic crisis, we were eager to tackle this 36th edition. It is the second competition played on clay after Miami”, confides in an exclusive interview Hicham Arazi, director of the tournament.
Rather rare in an ATP 250 tournament, the presence of a player from the world’s top 10, namely the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime. “It must be said that we had a great table with a world top 10 as well as other emblematic players like Daniel Evans, 26th in the world”, rejoices Hicham Arazi, director of the Hassan II Grand Prix.
Indeed, the 36th edition has reserved its share of surprises, with the ascent to the final of the Slovak Alex Molcan for his first participation in Marrakech. The Hassan II Grand Prix was also an opportunity for many players to kick balls in preparation for the Monte Carlo Grand Slam.
But the real attraction of the tournament turned out to be David Goffin, who managed to snatch his 6th title on the ATP tennis circuit against solid Alex Molcan, whom he beat after 1:58 (3-6, 6-3). and 6-3). A match in which he did not give up after being led to the first set.
The winner of the tournament in 1997 also reviewed the participation of Moroccan nuggets, namely, Elliot Benchetrit eliminated by Félix Auger-Aliassime, or Mehdi Benchekroun who was offered the Wild Card to take part in the competition.
By Ayoub Ibnoulfassih
