MARRAKECH/STARNBERG, April 7, 2024
Matteo Berrettini has made a strong comeback on the ATP Tour, showcasing his prowess with an impressive performance at the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech. In just his second tour-level event of the season, the 27-year-old Italian claimed the title by defeating Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, who had been on a nine-match winning streak. Berrettini displayed exceptional hitting skills throughout the championship match, securing a 7-5, 6-2 victory on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
This win marked Berrettini’s first title since his triumph at Queen’s Club in 2022. He demonstrated his dominance by securing two breaks of serve in each set, particularly raising his level of play in the second set. The clay-court ATP 250 event witnessed Berrettini’s superb display, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level and adding another significant achievement to his career.
Getting that winning feeling back 🤩
The moment @MattBerrettini became Marrakech champion! 👏#GrandPrixHassanII pic.twitter.com/Mrrl9FbK8D
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 7, 2024
“I want to thank my team,” said Berrettini at the trophy ceremony. “It’s been a tough past couple of years, I would say, and thanks to them I was able to overcome all the tough moments. My body wasn’t allowing me to play, so it’s thanks to [them] that I am here.
“[I also want to thank] all the people that made my comeback possible. All my friends, my family, people that were with me all the times when I was sad and injured, and I didn’t think I could make it, so thank you very much.”
Competing in only his third tournament following a six-month absence due to an ankle injury, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist showcased remarkable form in Marrakech. Throughout the week, he lost just two sets en route to victory, becoming the first Italian champion in the tournament since 2006. With this win, the Rome native has secured his eighth ATP Tour career title. The World No. 135 pocketed €88,125 in prize money as well as 250 ATP Ranking points.
Marrakech – only ATP Tour stop in Africa
The ATP 250 event was held at the Royale Tennis Club de Marrakech and is entirely funded by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. Marrakech, relocated from Casablanca in 2016, is the only ATP Tour stop on the African continent.
Marrakech, often referred to as the “Red City” due to its distinctive red walls and buildings, is a vibrant and culturally rich city located in Morocco, North Africa. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its unique blend of history, culture, and exotic charm.
One of the iconic symbols of Marrakech is the bustling medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a maze-like ancient quarter filled with narrow alleyways, colorful souks (markets), and historic buildings. The heart of the medina is Djemaa el-Fna, a lively square that comes alive in the evenings with street performers, storytellers, musicians, and food stalls offering traditional Moroccan delicacies.
