The Grand Prix Hassan II, which began at the inception of the ATP Tour in 1990, is the only ATP held in Africa.

ATPTour.com looks at five things to know about the ATP 250-level tournament, which has been held in Marrakech since 2016.

Royal Links
The Grand Prix Hassan II is named after the former King of Morocco, Hassan II (1929-1999), and the tournament has been supported by the royal palace for 30 years, since the ATP Tour’s inception. King Mohammed VI of Morocco entirely funds the event today.

The spring clay-court opener was first held in Casablanca, from 1990 to 2015, at the 6,000-square-metre Complex Al Amal, which was built in just three months and was the home of the Royal Moroccan Tennis Federation.

When the city didn’t wish to upgrade the stadium, the event moved to the Royal Tennis Club de Marrakech, located in the chic Hivernage neighbourhood.

The players’ lounge looks like an oriental living room and traditional Moroccan mint tea is served. Lunch is taken by the swimming pool and players can enjoy the city by visiting the Jamaa el Fna square and the Palmeraie.

More than 500 children each year take part in Kids’ Day, with Alexander Zverev, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Jaume Munar and Jiri Vesely hitting on court in 2019.

The First Champion
Having held an ATP Challenger Tour event since 1984, the Grand Prix Hassan II became a part of the first ATP Tour calendar in 1990, with future World No. 1 Thomas Muster winning the first title. Only 12 months on from a freak road accident in Miami, which left the Austrian with severed knee ligaments, Muster beat Argentina’s Guillermo Perez-Roldan 6-1, 6-7, 6-2 in the final.

Midweek rain delayed the schedule by one day and forced matches to be switched from the Complex Federal to old courts nearby owned by Mohamed Mjid (1916-2014), the President of the Royal Moroccan Tennis Federation (1964-2009). When the rain finally stopped, layers of sodden clay were removed from the court and the surface was then set on fire to speed up the drying process. It enabled the final to be played on the Complexe Al Amal stadium court, watched by Prince Moulay Rachid and a capacity crowd of 3,500 fans.

Andujar & Spaniards Reign Supreme
A Spaniard has lifted the Grand Prix Hassan II trophy in six of the past 11 years, including three triumphs for Pablo Andujar (2011-12, 2018). Former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero (2009), Tommy Robredo (2013) and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (2014) also had singles title success.

Two years ago, Andujar arrived at the clay-court tournament at No. 355 in the FedEx ATP Rankings and used a protected ranking to enter the 2018 main draw. With a 6-2, 6-2 win over Kyle Edmund, he went on to become the lowest-ranked singles champion on the ATP Tour since then-No. 550 Lleyton Hewitt won at Adelaide in January 1998. He finished runner-up to Benoit Paire in 2019.

Tomas Carbonell (1996), Alberto Martin (1999), Fernando Vicente (2000) and Santiago Ventura (2004) are also former champions from Spain.

Homegrown Titlists
The Grand Prix Hassan II has witnessed two Moroccans lift the singles trophy. Firstly, current Tournament Director Hicham Arazi, with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Franco Squillari, in 1997, and Younes El Aynaoui, who overcame Guillermo Canas 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the 2002 final.

El Aynaoui also advanced to finals in 1993 (l. to defending champion Guillermo Perez Roldan) and 2003 (l. to Julien Boutter). Karim Alami also finished as runner-up in 1994 (l. to Renzo Furlan) and partnered Arazi to the 1997 doubles final (l. to Cunha-Silva/Marques).

Community At Its Heart
The Grand Prix Hassan II is renowned for inviting orphans each year to sample the ATP 250-level tournament, which opens the spring clay-court swing.

In 2013, when the tournament was held in Casablanca, home of an ITF performance centre, a number of the country’s best junior tennis players also met and hit with 2010 champion Stan Wawrinka and 2013 runner-up Kevin Anderson.

If you hear a knock at your door in Canberra, Australia, don’t ignore it. It might be Nick Kyrgios.

The Australian, who is a consistent participant in charitable activities throughout the year on the ATP Tour, plans to do whatever he can to support those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Two days ago, he posted on Instagram that fans who are struggling should feel free to reach out to him for help through direct message.

“If ANYONE is not working/not getting an income and runs out of food, or times are just tough… please don’t go to sleep with an empty stomach,” Kyrgios wrote. “Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private message. I will be more than happy to share whatever I have. Even just for a box of noodles, a loaf of bread or milk. I will drop it off at your doorstep, no questions asked!”

Well done NK, in times like these you see how people react and, once again, like the bushfires you’re looking to help others. As someone who has travelled with Nick for a while this comes as no shock – hopefully people are starting to see the real Nick..
?? pic.twitter.com/Zcu3RsaycT

— Matt Reid (@MattReid12345) April 7, 2020

Kyrgios more recently wrote in an Instagram story that he will soon be following through on his promise.

“Hey guys, tomorrow I will be doing as many deliveries as I can throughout the day to the nearest people I have been in contact with. If I haven’t read your message yet, trust me I will do my absolute best to get to yours,” Kyrgios wrote. “And to my international friends around the world, I wish I could do more, but right now things are tough, stay strong, brighter days are coming.”

The 24-year-old took the initiative in supporting those suffering from the widespread bushfires in Australia earlier this year, pledging AUD $200 per ace hit during the Aussie summer. That led to numerous players making pledges of their own.

Kyrgios was one of the players who participated in Rally For Relief, a fundraising event held before the Australian Open, helping raise almost AUD $5 million for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

I’m kicking off the support for those affected by the fires. I’ll be donating $200 per ace that I hit across all the events I play this summer. #MoreToCome #StayTuned

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 2, 2020

Your favourite players are all back at home, but they’re finding plenty of ways to stay active. From Stan Wawrinka’s clones to Fabio Fognini’s backyard point, find out how the biggest names in tennis are keeping busy.

Fognini found a creative net to take on his wife and former US Open champion Flavia Pennetta.

Family rivalry @flavia_pennetta @atptour pic.twitter.com/i0tmbjviK1

— Fabio Fognini (@fabiofogna) April 5, 2020

Wawrinka never has a moment alone at home. 

Which Stan are you going to be on this Saturday night ? ???‍♂️??‍♂️????????‍♂️?⚡️#FakeItTillYouMakeIt #QuarantineFridayNight #Bored #And #Crazy #PickYourStan #StanTheMan #StaySafe #stayhome pic.twitter.com/3BMIPSoGjK

— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) April 4, 2020

Jannik Sinner made a generous donation for COVID-19 relief efforts.

Forza ?? #insiemecelafaremo #distantimauniti @RPiatti @StarWingSM pic.twitter.com/5DPotjvErc

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) April 5, 2020

Stefanos Tsitsipas found a unique way to get fans involved on his social media.

pic.twitter.com/X7cUtKOwdO

— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@StefTsitsipas) April 5, 2020

Diego Schwartzman is enjoying plenty of bonding time with his dog.

¿Una siesta? ??

? @dieschwartzman #YoMeQuedoEnCasa | #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/mijOSOr2B3

— ATP Tour en Español (@ATPTour_ES) April 6, 2020

James Duckworth got his sister to contribute vocals in this epic video.

This takes #tennisathome to a whole new level ?

?: @JamesDuck21 ? pic.twitter.com/y8oLqexcaS

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 5, 2020

Casper Ruud served up impressions of several ATP Tour legends.

? Impression time ?

First up: ?

?: @CasperRuud98 | #tennisathome pic.twitter.com/c6PUwddiEZ

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 3, 2020

Roberto Bautista Agut has no days off when it comes to working on fitness.

¡Arriba! ?️‍♂️

? @BautistaAgut #YoMeQuedoEnCasa | #StayAtHome | #TennisAtHome pic.twitter.com/e5SzryjzpO

— ATP Tour en Español (@ATPTour_ES) April 4, 2020

Leonardo Mayer is getting creative for weight training.

“Yo entreno en casa con lo que tengo” ??

? @YacaMayer y su rutina junto a su ?Nelson ?️ ? #YoMeQuedoEnCasa | #TennisAtHome pic.twitter.com/PWLXu8tBpg

— ATP Tour en Español (@ATPTour_ES) April 4, 2020

Santiago Gonzalez’s boundless energy appears to be wearing his family down.

Cuarentena Día 139!!!! #cuarentena #nakedchallenge #TennisAtHome #CuarentenaTotal #yaqueremossalir #family #crazymode pic.twitter.com/bf5rIEb84y

— Santiago Gonzalez (@gonzalezsanty) April 5, 2020

Denis Shapovalov sent his fans an encouraging message on Tuesday to help them maintain positivity during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, promoting the importance of unity.

“Just wanted to reach out to the fans. I know it’s a tough time. A lot of people [are] stuck inside their homes. I hope everyone is social distancing, staying inside,” Shapovalov said. “I know it’s tough for everyone, but let’s get through it together.”

The 20-year-old Canadian spent time to thank those on the front lines battling against virus.

“I just want to thank all the first responders, all the people: firefighters, policemen, people working at the hospitals, doctors, everyone just putting their lives at risk every day trying to take care of this and manage it as much as possible,” Shapovalov said. “It is heroes like this who truly inspire me and I’m sure a lot more people. Thank you to them.”

Shapovalov admitted he hasn’t been posting much on social media, with his most recent post coming on 29 March. But the lefty promised fans they will hear from him sooner rather than later.

“Honestly I’ve been locked down, just doing my own thing, working on some stuff for myself,” Shapovalov said. “I promise to be posting some more content shortly.”

Fans got a special Instagram Live surprise on Tuesday, as 2017 Nitto ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov and former WTA World No. 1 Venus Williams joined forces for a special workout session.

Dimitrov and Williams did a variety of exercises, from skipping rope to footwork drills. Before they got started, Williams put on her reporter hat and asked the Bulgarian some questions about how he’s holding up.

“Life on the west coast is pretty good,” said Dimitrov, who is in California. “Making the most that we can out of the situation. Enjoying the early mornings and a little bit of workouts as well.”

Dimitrov admitted that he misses playing tennis while staying at home.

“[I miss it] a lot. I know it’s not easy. It’s been quite a few days that you’ve been away from the court. You just want to step on [to a court] and try some things that you have worked on. But at the end of the day you’ve got to make the most out of it and try to focus on all the positivity,” Dimitrov said. “We’re all in this together and I think it’s just going to make us stronger and look at things a little bit different. I think it puts everything in perspective from now on.”

The World No. 19 has been keeping busy to try to keep himself in shape for when the ATP Tour is able to get rolling again.

“I’ve been doing a lot of runs lately, to be honest, every time we go out. Doing a lot of shoulder prevention exercises. Working on little specific drills that I like to keep my feet activated. Just small details that we often neglect, especially when we’re competing throughout all the weeks,” Dimitrov said. “Now is the time that you can really emphasise on those things. We have a few exercises to show the fans. I’m sure we’re going to do something nice.”

Right before their workout began, Williams put Dimitrov on the spot.

“When are we playing mixed doubles?” she asked.

“Oh great, thanks,” he replied, cracking a laugh. “We should definitely do that. I’d be happy and excited to do this for sure. I’ve played I think a couple of times and for some reason I have a hard time hitting against the girl.”

Williams made a face that caught Dimitrov’s attention.

“We’re not going to play if you’re not going to play full out,” Venus said as they both laughed.

Milos Raonic has long paid close attention to his nutrition, first bringing a nutritionist onto his team in 2013. The former World No. 3 says the personnel has changed, but he has always had guidance in that department since, and it has proven a key part of his career.

ATPTour.com caught up with the Canadian to discuss nutrition, the food that has become a major part of his diet, the dessert he wishes he could eat and more.

What made you add a nutritionist to your team in 2013? Some players pay careful attention to that, others not as closely, so was there any specific reason?
Every single step [of my career] I’ve always asked myself, ‘What can I do better?’ I reached that point in 2013 when just before the season, that’s where I thought I could make the most impact. I asked the people I was working with, my team, they felt that’s something I could give attention to and I could reap benefits from.

How much has your diet and what you’ve avoided changed between where you started and now?
It’s probably changed every two to three years because every time I change it, I use that to solve certain issues. When I started it was, ‘How can I clean stuff up? How can I be more efficient?’ Then over the past few years when I’ve had a lot of injuries, it’s been, ‘What have I been lacking or what might I be missing or what do I need to do better to stay healthy?’

I think each time it’s been conformed to a specific issue that I’m trying to solve or I’m trying to fix or improve. I think that’s where it’s sort of stepped from the approach we take to the solution we are looking for.

Do you have a list of ‘no-no’s’ where you go into a restaurant and you know you can’t touch it?
Skipping desserts. I don’t eat red meat that often. Maybe once or twice every two weeks, and now a big part of it has been regimenting the times I eat. That is how quickly I’m eating after a match, and those kind of things. That’s what has changed a lot over the past period of time. It’s a lot more structured and so forth.

I’ve struggled with a lot of different types of injuries, different issues with my back, a couple muscle tears over the past few years. It was about how can we fuel you and how can we give you the right kind of food that you need to keep your tissues and your body healthy and also functioning properly. [It’s about] functioning efficiently to try to find a way to minimise those problems coming up.

Is there a food that you thought was gross or just didn’t eat that now you’re eating because of those things?
When I started on Tour I wasn’t a big fan of fish, probably back in 2010 or 2011. That’s something that I probably eat more than anything of. It’s something I go to quite often to have the source of protein throughout my day, pretty much almost daily. That’s one that’s changed quite a bit.

There are different kinds of veggies and things that I’ve added, but I’d say fish was the one, because it is such a big part of what I consume nowadays. It’s probably the most significant change.

You mentioned how something you’ve adapted is how quickly after a match you eat, so what is that process like for you?
I think you try to get something in you right away within the first 45 minutes to an hour after a match. Before, sometimes I would stretch after a match, do my cooldown, do press and all those things. Now I’ll do my cooldown because that’s a priority right after, but then I’ll eat before I do press and all the other things that fall after it. It’s just been a shift in priorities in that sense.

When I do press doesn’t really change anybody’s life, but it will make a difference for me the next day or the accumulation of match after match, and it’ll start to make a difference in how soon I’m consuming something to start replenishing my body after the load of playing a match.

I know there are no desserts, but is there one you wish you could have?
I have it every once in a while, but much more rarely: tiramisu. It’s by far my favourite dessert.

Editor’s Note: ATPTour.com is resurfacing features to bring fans closer to their favourite players during the current suspension in tournament play. This story was originally published on 15 April 2018.

Pablo Andujar became the lowest-ranked ATP World Tour champion in 20 years on Sunday, beating first-time finalist Kyle Edmund 6-2, 6-2 to win the Grand Prix Hassan II for a record third time.

The Spaniard, who also won the event in 2011 and 2012 in Casablanca, overcame the Australian Open semi-finalist in 82 minutes to become the most successful player in the history of the tournament, which began in 1990.

“I played very well during the whole match,” said Andujar. “Trying to make him move as much as I could. He attacks a lot and is a very strong player. I was very solid today and I’m very happy about that.”

The World No. 355 is the lowest-ranked tour-level titlist since Lleyton Hewitt, who lifted his maiden title in Adelaide at World No. 550 in 1998. Andujar has now won three of his four ATP World Tour titles in Morocco with his other victory coming in Gstaad four years ago.

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Watch Full Match Replays

The 32-year-old raced out to a 5-1 lead, breaking Edmund in each of his opening three service games to establish control of the match, before taking a one-set advantage in the eighth game after saving two break points. Edmund had been broken just three times this week heading into the championship match.

The Spaniard continued to find success against the 23-year-old’s serve in the second set, winning 67 per cent of points while returning off the Edmund first serve. Andujar was once again clinical, breaking on all three break-point opportunities created before once again navigating his way through a tough eighth service game to clinch the title in Marrakech.

Ranked as low as World No. 1,824 on 12 February after three elbow surgeries had threatened his career, Andujar now finds himself on a ten-match winning streak after becoming the first man since Ryan Harrison in 2017 to win ATP Challenger Tour and ATP World Tour titles in consecutive weeks.

“I always believed that I could come back, otherwise I wouldn’t have tried,” reflected Andujar.

World No. 26 Edmund was bidding to win his first ATP World Tour title in his maiden championship match at tour-level. With victory, he would also have become just the seventh player from Great Britain, in the history of the ATP Rankings, to reach the Top 20.

“For me it was a good tournament… it was great experience for me,” said Edmund. “It’s been a good year so far, it’s not the result I wanted, but nevertheless a good week for me.”

Andujar will receive 250 ATP Ranking points and €85,000 in prize money for clinching the crown. Edmund earns 150 ATP Rankings points and €44,770.

Did You Know?
Pablo Andujar is the third player to win ATP Challenger Tour and ATP World Tour titles in consecutive weeks in the past five years. In 2014, David Goffin won in Tampere, Finland and Kitzbuhel, and last year Ryan Harrison won in Dallas and Memphis.

Good morning, class. Volleying At Home 101 is in session with Professor Federer.

Roger Federer took to social media on Tuesday to challenge his fans to a volley challenge. The 38-year-old Swiss has been exploring new ways to embrace #tennisathome, and he found a fun method at the wall where he’d previously put on a trick-shot show on ice.

@djokernole @giannis_An34 @kingjames @thierryhenry @serenawilliams @lindseyvonn @mikaelashiffrin @ValeYellow46 @lewishamilton @Ibra_official @chrishemsworth @jtimberlake

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020

Federer stood just inches from the wall and hit rapid fire forehand volleys. The 103-time tour-level champion was already hitting volleys when the video began, and he was still doing so when the video ended. The shots were too quick to count, but he hit about 200 consecutive volleys in one minute without moving his feet.

Fans will take notice that Federer was sporting a Panama hat, not the bandana people are used to seeing from him over the past two decades. “Choose your hat wisely,” Federer wrote.

The challenge was not only for fans, but for celebrities, too. Federer tagged the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Coco Gauff, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady, Bill Gates and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in his post.

Love the confidence not to drop the ? on the ? https://t.co/8FdnxfQGXx

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020

That was the right choice of hat,
Love the effort, sorry to your dad! ? ?? https://t.co/COAFAVXhQJ

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020

Good job
Great cap ? https://t.co/27Yi5KxLV4

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020

Winter time in the summer
Love it
Careful for the ? https://t.co/whoc0Ugcb3

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020

Nice work,
I Like the broken racket in the back! ? https://t.co/TIHhxaa3bP

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020

#NextGenATP Italian sensation Jannik Sinner is doing his part in the battle against coronavirus. The 18-year-old announced on his social media that in conjunction with his management company, StarWing Sports, and coach, Riccardo Piatti, he is donating €12,500 to Cesvi, a humanitarian organisation, to aid with medical emergencies in Bergamo.

“The unity in Italy throughout this crisis has been incredible. Among many thousands of Italians that have helped through this crisis, I want to applaud the 250 volunteers who came together in Bergamo recently to build a Field Hospital in just eight days,” Sinner wrote. “This unity is what will get us through this period. I want to do my part, as much as I can, to contribute in pulling us out of this.”

Forza ?? #insiemecelafaremo #distantimauniti @RPiatti @StarWingSM pic.twitter.com/5DPotjvErc

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) April 5, 2020

Sinner is currently in Monte-Carlo, but he has been monitoring the situation in Italy closely.

“I urge you to help in any way you can to contribute in getting our great country out of this,” Sinner wrote. “I am proud to be Italian and proud of our unity. We will come out of this stronger. Stay safe ❤️”

The Italian previously announced he would donate €10 for every photo shared on social media of a pizza pie that resembled him or any Italian figure.

“Hopefully, the Coronavirus will go away as soon as possible,” Sinner wrote in a blog for ATPTour.com. “I know every country is doing their best to lockdown.” 

From posting workout videos to taking part in the toilet paper challenge, Hubert Hurkacz has been active on social media to share what he’s been doing at home.

The rising 23-year-old held an impromptu Twitter Q&A this past weekend and spent an hour answering questions from fans. Hurkacz revealed his closest friends on Tour, favourite song of the moment and which player he’d like to trade places with for a day.

ATPTour.com highlights some of the Pole’s best answers from the Q&A.

Stay active, exercise a lot, read some good books, and watch movies ?

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

Couple of times, but I didn’t have a chance to hit with her

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

Recently I liked the song “Walking on the dream” by Empire of the sun

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

Flying would be cool ?

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

I like grass ?

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

Roger?

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

Benoit, Marcelo, John, Łukasz?

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

I like Indian Wells a lot!?

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

The Dawn Wall!?

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

Pasta with vegatables

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

I built with my sister LEGO porsche 911 gt3 rs that had 2704 pieces

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020

Beaches

— Hubert Hurkacz (@HubertHurkacz) April 4, 2020