Grab your sunhat, find your best courtside ensemble, and prepare to fall in love with tennis, Marrakech-style.
Marrakech – You know how some people mark the seasons by the changing leaves, the scent of spring in the air, or the return of iced lattes?
Well, in Morocco, there’s a different kind of seasonal shift — the unmistakable hum of tennis balls against clay.
That’s right, the Grand Prix Hassan II is back, and this year, it’s serving up something spectacular.
From March 31 to April 6, Marrakech will transform into the beating heart of tennis as the ATP 250 rolls into town.
Sun-drenched courts, world-class players, and the kind of elegance that only this city can deliver.
After a two-year rendezvous with Ramadan, the tournament returns to its full springtime glory, and trust me, the anticipation is as palpable as a tie-break in the final set.
A royal affair
Founded in 1984 by the late King Hassan II, this isn’t just any tennis tournament — it’s a legacy.
Over the decades, the Grand Prix Hassan II has been a proving ground for champions, a showcase for Moroccan talent, and, let’s be honest, a fabulous excuse to mingle in the most glamorous tennis scene this side of the Mediterranean.
Think white linen, vintage sunglasses, and an Aperol Spritz under the Marrakech sun — because tennis, like life, is all about the details.
And let’s talk history. Younès El Aynaoui became Morocco’s first finalist here in 1993, Karim Alami followed suit in 1994, and then, in 1997, Hicham Arazi made history by clinching the title.
Flash forward to today, and Arazi is no longer just a legend on the court — he’s running the show.
As the tournament’s director, he’s ensuring that Moroccan players get their well-deserved wild cards, making this edition not just a competition but a true celebration of national talent.
More than just a match
Of course, tennis is the star, but this isn’t just about the game — it’s about the experience.
Expect off-court festivities that turn Marrakech into the ultimate social playground.
A buzzing public village, evening entertainment, and, oh yes, an exhibition match in the legendary Jemaa El-Fna Square — because in Morocco, even tennis has a flair for the dramatic.
For one week, the Royal Tennis Club of Marrakech will be where prestige meets performance, where global stars rub shoulders with rising local talent, and where every match feels like a moment in history.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual spectator, or just here for the scene, one thing’s for sure: you won’t want to miss a single set.
