What Is 2002 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles

Overview

The 2002 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles was part of the ATP International Series, a tier of men's professional tennis events on the 2002 ATP Tour. Held in Casablanca, Morocco, the tournament featured a doubles draw of 16 teams competing on outdoor clay courts, a surface known for longer rallies and strategic baseline play.

This edition marked the 18th staging of the Grand Prix Hassan II, named in honor of the late King Hassan II of Morocco. The doubles competition attracted a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with seeding based on ATP rankings at the time.

• Location and venue: The event was hosted at the Complexe Al Amal in Casablanca, a facility specifically designed for international tennis events and regularly used for ATP tournaments.
• Duration: The doubles competition spanned from April 8 to April 14, 2002, with early rounds played in the first half of the week and the final on Sunday.
• Surface type: Matches were played on outdoor red clay, a surface that slows ball speed and favors players with strong endurance and topspin.
• Champions: Michael Kohlmann of Germany and Novak Djokovic of Serbia claimed the title, winning in straight sets in the final.
• Final opponents: They defeated the wildcard Moroccan pair of Hicham Arazi and Mehdi Tahiri, who had advanced through the draw with strong local support.

How It Works

The doubles format at the 2002 Grand Prix Hassan II followed standard ATP rules for team competition, including best-of-three sets with tiebreaks at 6–6.

• Match structure: Each doubles match was played as best-of-three sets, with a match tiebreak replacing the third set in some early rounds to manage scheduling.
• Seeding: The top four doubles teams were seeded based on combined ATP rankings to prevent early clashes among favorites.
• Draw size: The tournament featured a 16-team draw, meaning four rounds including the final, with byes only in exceptional cases.
• Scoring: Standard tennis scoring applied, with sets won by the first to six games, requiring a two-game lead or a tiebreak at 6–6.
• Points and prize money: Winners received 90 ATP ranking points and a share of the $35,000 doubles prize pool, typical for International Series events.
• Wildcard entries: Two wildcard pairs were granted entry, including the Moroccan duo Arazi and Tahiri, who reached the final.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2002 doubles event compares to other ATP tournaments of similar tier and surface:

While the Grand Prix Hassan II offered fewer ranking points than ATP Masters events or Grand Slams, it provided valuable clay-court experience and competitive matches for players outside the top 10. Its regional significance in North Africa also made it a unique stop on the tour.

Why It Matters

The 2002 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles was notable not only for its competitive results but also for its role in promoting tennis in Africa and supporting player development.

• Regional development: The tournament helped grow tennis in Morocco and across North Africa, inspiring youth participation and infrastructure investment.
• Wildcard success: The Moroccan pair reaching the final demonstrated the value of wildcard entries in engaging local fans and elevating home talent.
• Player exposure: Emerging players like Novak Djokovic gained international experience, even if overshadowed by his more famous namesake.
• Clay-court preparation: The event served as a springboard for players aiming to perform well at the French Open later in the season.
• ATP diversity: The inclusion of events outside Europe and the Americas reflects the ATP’s efforts to globalize the sport.
• Historical record: The tournament remains part of ATP archives, contributing to the legacy of doubles specialists and national representation.

Overall, the 2002 edition reinforced the Grand Prix Hassan II’s status as a respected stop on the ATP Tour, combining competitive integrity with regional significance.