Marrakech, Morocco – Just days after a strong showing at the Miami Open, Quentin Halys suffered a stunning upset on Monday, falling to unheralded Moroccan Karim Bennani in the first round of the ATP 250 tournament in Marrakech. Bennani, ranked 731st in the world, secured a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-3 victory over the 90th-ranked Frenchman.
The 18-year-old Bennani, a local wildcard entrant, was making his debut on the ATP Tour, adding to the surprise of the result. He seized the opportunity, capitalizing on a shaky service game from Halys to capture the opening set. According to reports, Bennani broke Halys’ serve at 5-4, clinching the set 6-4 after 40 minutes, aided by a double fault from the Frenchman.
The second set proved a tighter affair, with both players holding serve throughout. The set ultimately went to a tie-break, where Halys managed to regain his composure, winning 7-5 to level the match. The momentum, however, would prove fleeting.
Bennani came out strong in the deciding set, immediately putting pressure on Halys’ serve. He earned a couple of break points in the opening game but was unable to convert. However, he broke through in the third game, capitalizing on three double faults from Halys, and built a commanding 3-1 lead. He extended that advantage to 5-1, securing another break of serve, and ultimately closed out the match 6-3.
Halys Had Recently Re-Entered the Top 100
Halys arrived in Marrakech buoyed by his performance in Miami, where he reached the round of 16. He defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina during his run, before falling to Alexander Zverev in a closely contested match, 7-6, 7-6. That result propelled him back into the top 100 of the ATP rankings, climbing 21 places.
The loss in Marrakech represents a significant setback for Halys, who had reached a career-high ranking of No. 46 in June 2025. As of March 30, 2026, his current ranking stands at No. 90, according to the ATP Tour website. The quick turnaround from the hard courts of Miami to the clay of Marrakech may have contributed to his struggles.
The victory marks a monumental occasion for Bennani, who is quickly becoming a name to watch in Moroccan tennis. He is the second Moroccan player to achieve a win at this year’s tournament. Taha Baadi, ranked 587th, also secured his first ATP main draw victory, defeating Aleksander Vukic 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
Baadi, a 24-year-old who honed his skills on the American university circuit, demonstrated impressive resilience to overcome the former world No. 48. His win, alongside Bennani’s upset, signals a promising future for tennis in Morocco.
The tournament in Marrakech continues this week, with several other notable players competing for the title. The unexpected early exits of Halys and Vukic, however, have undoubtedly opened up the draw and created opportunities for other contenders.
Halys will now appear to regroup and prepare for the upcoming clay court season, with the French Open on the horizon. The quick loss in Marrakech will likely serve as a valuable learning experience as he aims to regain his form and climb back up the rankings.
For Bennani, the victory is a dream approach true. He will now face a challenging opponent in the second round, but he has already proven that he is capable of competing with the best players in the world. His performance is a testament to the growing talent within Moroccan tennis and a source of pride for the nation.
The ATP 250 tournament in Marrakech continues to deliver surprises, showcasing the unpredictable nature of professional tennis and the emergence of new stars.
Next Up: The second round of the Marrakech ATP 250 continues on Tuesday, April 1st, with matchups to be determined. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates, and analysis.
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