ATP Marrakech 2026: Darderi leads as top seed, Bellucci and Berrettini ready to shine at the Grand Prix Hassan II

Here we go. The clay court season is really heating up, and the schedule has given us one of those weekends where Italian tennis is set to steal the show. While fans are glued to the draw at the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech, there’s a strong Italian contingent ready to dominate. And it’s not just Marrakech – from Estoril to Charleston, via Bogota, the Italian flag is flying high. But today, let’s focus on what feels like home for us: the ATP 250 in Marrakech.

If there’s one name that stands out in the draw, it’s Luciano Darderi. I don’t need to tell you he’s the man to beat: the Marrakech draw has him down as the number one seed. Sure, it’s a bit of pressure, but Darderi knows his way around a clay court. He’s got that patient, meticulous game and a backhand that turns into a real weapon on the Moroccan clay. His path won’t be a walk in the park, but as the top seed, expectations are high. Keep an eye out for a potential all-Italian quarterfinal – if the draw holds, he could come up against Mattia Bellucci. And if that happens, let’s just say things could get seriously exciting.

But the real icing on the cake, the one that’s really getting tennis fans buzzing, is the name Matteo Berrettini. Our Matteo is in the draw and, let’s be honest, he’s got a secret weapon: he’s hungry to make his mark again. After a period of ups and downs, Berrettini is in Marrakech looking to relaunch his season. And the Marrakech clay, with its dry conditions and the ball travelling a bit faster than your typical clay court, could be the perfect stage for his cannon of a serve to fire again. The serve? Always devastating. The forehand? When it’s on, it’s game over. Italian fans know that if his body holds up, he can beat anyone in that draw.

And let’s not forget the rest of the Italian contingent making waves around the world. This week is a real feast of Azzurri action. While we’re getting ready for some blockbuster derbies in Marrakech, there are quarter-finals being played at the other ATP events in Estoril (Portugal) and Bucharest. And on the women’s side? All eyes are on WTA Charleston (that gorgeous green clay in the US, what a spectacle) and WTA Bogota. Basically, if you’ve got a subscription to the tennis channels, get the couch ready – it’s going to be a marathon.

Back to Marrakech, the quarterfinal lineup promises fireworks. The draw is set up so the favourites are only likely to meet in the business end of the tournament. Here’s the lowdown for fans:

• Darderi (1) has a potential clash with Bellucci on the horizon: the prospect of that all-Italian derby in the round of 16 is already on everyone’s mind. If he gets through, the path gets tough straight away.
• Berrettini is in the opposite half, with a path that could lead him to the quarters and then, potentially, all the way to the final. Watch out for the local wildcard – they always play with plenty of heart.
• Aside from the Italians, keep an eye on the Spaniards and Argentinians: they always know how to make life difficult on this surface, and the competition for the Grand Prix Hassan II title is fierce.

So, the Grand Prix Hassan II has never felt so Italian. With Darderi as the number one seed, Berrettini searching for a big comeback, and Bellucci eyeing an upset against the top dog, Morocco turns into a little piece of Italy for a week. And we’ll be cheering them all on from our couches or the local tennis club. Clay is our second home, and this time, folks, we’re playing away from home with our strongest hand.

Don’t miss the live action – the TV schedule is packed, with coverage available on the usual tennis channels. And remember, when the sun is beating down in Marrakech, the rackets are speaking Italian.