What Is 2011 Grand Prix Hassan II - Doubles

Overview

The 2011 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles was a professional men's tennis doubles event held as part of the ATP World Tour 250 series. It took place during the week of April 4, 2011, in Casablanca, Morocco, marking the 27th edition of the tournament. Played on outdoor clay courts, it featured a 16-team doubles draw.

This edition was notable for being one of the few ATP events hosted in Africa, highlighting Morocco’s role in international tennis. The tournament attracted several top-tier doubles specialists and provided valuable ranking points for players aiming to improve their standings.

• Champions: Daniele Bracciali and Potito Starace claimed the title, marking their first ATP title as a team in 2011.
• Final opponents: Jaroslav Levinský and Michal Mertiňák were defeated in straight sets, failing to convert any break point opportunities.
• Scoreline: The final concluded with a decisive 6–2, 6–4 victory for the Italian pair on April 10, 2011.
• Venue: The event was hosted at the Complexe Al Amal in Casablanca, a facility known for its red clay surface.
• Seeding: Bracciali and Starace were unseeded but advanced through three rounds without dropping a set.

Match Details and Format

The doubles competition followed a standard ATP 250 format, featuring best-of-three sets with a match tiebreak replacing the third set in some rounds. Matches were played in a single-elimination bracket, with no byes in the 16-team draw.

• First Round: Bracciali and Starace defeated Marcel Granollers and Tommy Robredo 7–6(5), 6–3 in a tightly contested match.
• Quarterfinals: The Italian duo overcame Flavio Cipolla and Uros Vico 6–4, 6–2, showcasing strong net play.
• Semifinals: They beat Andreas Seppi and Igor Zelenay 6–3, 7–5, capitalizing on aggressive returns.
• Final: In the championship match, they dominated Levinský and Mertiňák with a 6–2, 6–4 win, sealing it in under 75 minutes.
• Duration: The entire tournament spanned 7 days, from April 4 (qualifying) to April 10 (finals).
• Surface: All matches were played on outdoor red clay, a surface known for longer rallies and higher bounce.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2011 doubles event compares to recent editions of the Grand Prix Hassan II:

The 2011 edition stood out due to the unseeded status of the champions and the relatively short final match duration. While previous years saw longer final sets, the 2011 final concluded efficiently, reflecting the dominance of Bracciali and Starace. The tournament maintained its tradition of competitive clay-court tennis, with consistent scheduling in early April.

Why It Matters

The 2011 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles had broader implications for the ATP doubles circuit and player development. It provided crucial ranking points and prize money, influencing qualification for larger tournaments later in the season.

• ATP Points: Winners earned 250 ranking points, boosting their positions in the ATP Doubles Race.
• Prize Money: The champion team received $17,520 from a total doubles purse of $75,700.
• Historical Significance: It was the last doubles final in Casablanca before the tournament shifted locations in later years.
• Player Momentum: Bracciali and Starace used this win to qualify for higher-tier events in Europe’s clay season.
• African Representation: As one of the few ATP events in Africa, it highlighted Morocco’s role in global tennis development.
• Clay-Court Prep: The event served as a key warm-up for the French Open, helping players adapt to clay conditions.

Overall, the 2011 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles was a pivotal moment for the champions and a testament to the tournament’s importance in the ATP calendar. Its legacy continues to influence doubles strategy and regional tennis growth.