Day 3 of the ATP 250 event in Marrakech is set to feature five exciting matches. This schedule includes a first-round clash between Hamad Medjedovic and Vit Kopriva, both of whom recently competed in the Napoli Challenger. The remaining four encounters will determine the initial set of quarterfinalists. Here’s a detailed look at the anticipated outcomes for each fixture.
ATP Marrakech Day 3 Match Predictions
Corentin Moutet vs Taha Baadi
Head-to-head: first meeting
Taha Baadi delivered a memorable performance on the opening day for local fans, securing his inaugural ATP tour victory against Top 100 player Aleksandar Vukic. However, his upcoming match against Corentin Moutet presents a significantly tougher challenge. Moutet possesses a much richer and more versatile skill set and is recognized as one of the most creative players on the tour. The disparity in their playing styles is considerable, and Moutet’s consistent, baseline-oriented tennis is expected to create significant difficulties for the Moroccan wild card.
Prediction: Moutet in 2 sets
Kamil Majchrzak vs Marco Trungelliti
Head-to-head: Majchrzak 3-1 Trungelliti
This match is a rematch of last year’s qualifying round at this very tournament, a contest Kamil Majchrzak won in straight sets before advancing to the semifinals. That strong showing was instrumental in his title win at the Madrid Challenger just a week later. This year, Majchrzak enters the main draw directly, reflecting his improving ranking, and has already secured a victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Marco Trungelliti, meanwhile, is enjoying a successful run on the African continent, having recently won the Kigali Challenger. He extended his winning streak to eight matches through qualifying victories and a first-round upset of Henrique Rocha in Marrakech. Despite Trungelliti’s current form, Majchrzak is expected to control the tempo of this match, demonstrating a higher overall game level and better command over rallies.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 2 sets
Yannick Hanfmann vs Karim Bennani
Head-to-head: first meeting
The opening day in Marrakech was historic, with two local wild cards, including Karim Bennani, defying expectations to claim victories. Bennani is regarded as one of Morocco’s most promising young tennis talents, and the electric home crowd atmosphere could certainly provide a boost. Nonetheless, Yannick Hanfmann is a more powerful hitter, armed with a formidable forehand. While Quentin Halys, also known for his powerful game, fell victim to Bennani in the first round, Hanfmann is a strong mover on clay. His sheer power and shot weight are anticipated to overwhelm the 18-year-old.
Prediction: Hanfmann in 2 sets
Vit Kopriva vs Hamad Medjedovic
Head-to-head: Medjedovic 1-0 Kopriva
Vit Kopriva faced an unexpected defeat against Francesco Forti in the first round of the Napoli Challenger. In stark contrast, Hamad Medjedovic dominated the same tournament the previous week, ultimately clinching the title with a victory over Daniel Altmaier in the final. After navigating two challenging initial matches, the Serbian showcased flawless tennis from the quarterfinal stage onwards. He arrives in Marrakech with considerable momentum, and his recent form strongly points towards a decisive victory.
Prediction: Medjedovic in 2 sets
Luciano Darderi vs Mattia Bellucci
Head-to-head: Darderi 1-1 Bellucci
The Sunshine Swing proved to be a challenging period for Luciano Darderi, as he lost both his matches in Indian Wells and Miami. The Italian will be keenly seeking his first win since his triumph at the ATP Santiago title during the Golden Swing. Mattia Bellucci narrowly avoided an upset in his opening match this week, defeating local wild card Reda Bennani in a three-set battle. That victory marked his first win on clay since an earlier edition of this tournament. However, recent hard-court results are unlikely to be a significant factor here, as clay is undeniably Darderi’s natural and preferred surface. He secured 30 wins on clay last year and is expected to rebound strongly after a less impressive run on hard courts.
Prediction: Darderi in 2 sets
