The European clay-court swing kicks off with several events across the continent, and the ATP Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech offers a valuable opportunity for players to ease into the transition from hard courts. With its slower conditions and high-bouncing clay, the tournament serves as a crucial warm-up for those looking to build momentum ahead of the bigger events. While established clay-court specialists will look to impose their dominance early, it also presents a chance for lower-ranked players to gain confidence on the surface.
ATP Marrakech Day 1 Predictions
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Taha Baadi
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Roberto Carballés Baena, the defending finalist in Marrakech, comes into this match as a heavy favorite given his strong clay-court pedigree and solid baseline game. While his recent form has been inconsistent, his comfort on the surface and past success at this tournament make him a tough opponent to beat. Taha Baadi, a wild card ranked outside the top 400, will look to use the home crowd’s support to his advantage, but he lacks the experience and high-level results on clay to trouble Carballés Baena. Expect the Spaniard to advance in straight sets.
Prediction: Carballes Baena in 2
Fabio Fognini vs Raphael Collignon
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Fabio Fognini may no longer be at his peak, but the veteran Italian remains a dangerous player on clay, especially against lower-ranked opponents. Though his recent results have been mixed, his shot-making ability and experience far outweigh Raphael Collignon’s, who is still finding his footing at the ATP level. The young Belgian has posted decent Challenger results on clay but lacks a signature win against a player of Fognini’s caliber. If the Italian is focused, he should come through in straight sets, though his inconsistency always leaves the door slightly open.
Prediction: Fognini in 3
Harold Mayot vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert
Head-to-Head: Mayot 1-1 Herbert
Harold Mayot has shown promise on clay, particularly at the Challenger level, and comes into this match with better recent form than Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who has struggled in singles over the past few seasons. While Herbert’s all-court game and net skills can be effective, his lack of consistency in baseline exchanges puts him at a disadvantage on clay. Mayot, with his solid groundstrokes and improved physicality, should be able to control the rallies and wear down his compatriot. Unless Herbert rediscovers his old form, Mayot is the likely winner in straight sets.
Prediction: Mayot in 3
Aleksander Vukic vs Hugo Dellien
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Aleksander Vukic has made steady progress on tour, but clay remains his weakest surface, and his recent results on it have been underwhelming. Hugo Dellien, on the other hand, is a clay-court specialist with far more experience grinding out matches on the surface, though his form in recent months has been inconsistent. If Dellien can dictate with his heavy topspin and force Vukic into extended rallies, he should have the edge. Expect a close match, but the Bolivian’s comfort on clay gives him the slight advantage.
Prediction: Dellien in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
