What Is 2017 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles
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Last updated: April 15, 2026
Key Facts
- The 2017 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles took place from April 17 to 23, 2017
- The tournament was held on clay courts in Casablanca, Morocco
- Guillermo Durán and Andrés Molteni won the doubles title
- They defeated Johan Brunström and Andreas Siljeström in the final
- The event was part of the ATP World Tour 250 series
Overview
The 2017 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles was an ATP World Tour 250-level men's tennis doubles competition held in Casablanca, Morocco. Played on outdoor clay courts, the tournament took place from April 17 to April 23, 2017, as part of the ATP Tour’s spring clay-court season.
It featured 16 pairs competing in a single-elimination format, with seeded teams receiving byes based on ATP rankings. The event is named in honor of the late King Hassan II of Morocco and has been a staple on the ATP calendar since its inception.
- Champions: Guillermo Durán and Andrés Molteni won the title, marking their first ATP Tour victory as a team, defeating the Swedish duo in straight sets.
- Final score: The winning pair triumphed with a 6–4, 6–4 victory over Johan Brunström and Andreas Siljeström in the championship match on April 23.
- Surface: The tournament was played on red clay, a surface known for longer rallies and strategic baseline play, common in European spring events.
- Location: Held at the Complexe Al Amal in Casablanca, the venue has hosted the event annually since 2016 after its relocation from Kitzbühel, Austria.
- Seeding: Durán and Molteni were unseeded, making their victory a notable underdog achievement against higher-ranked opponents throughout the week.
How It Works
The doubles format at the Grand Prix Hassan II follows standard ATP Tour rules, with teams competing in best-of-three sets, including a match tiebreak in lieu of a third set at some events.
- Match Format:Best-of-three sets with a 10-point match tiebreak used if the third set is tied. This speeds up play and reduces player fatigue during the week-long event.
- Draw Size:16 teams participate in the main draw, with eight seeded pairs receiving first-round byes. The draw includes both direct acceptances and wild card entries.
- Points Awarded: Winners receive 250 ATP ranking points, crucial for players aiming to qualify for Grand Slams or improve seeding in future tournaments.
- Prize Money: The 2017 doubles champions split a portion of the $463,800 total prize purse, with the winning pair earning approximately $35,000 combined.
- Team Formation: Players from different countries can team up; Durán (Argentina) and Molteni (Argentina) were both from the same nation, a common practice for coordination.
- Wild Cards: Local or developing talent may receive wild card entries into the main draw, promoting regional interest and player development in Moroccan tennis.
Comparison at a Glance
Below is a comparison of the 2017 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles with similar ATP 250 events held on clay during the same season.
| Tournament | Location | Surface | Prize Money | Doubles Champions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix Hassan II | Casablanca, Morocco | Clay | $463,800 | Durán / Molteni |
| Barcelona Open | Barcelona, Spain | Clay | $2,300,000 | López / Zeballos |
| Monte-Carlo Masters | Monte Carlo, Monaco | Clay | $3,800,000 | Roger-Vasselin / Herbert |
| Umag Open | Umag, Croatia | Clay | $530,000 | Draganac / Duran |
| Houston Clay Court | Houston, USA | Clay | $547,000 | Querrey / Sock |
While the Grand Prix Hassan II offers a smaller purse than premier clay events like Monte Carlo, it provides valuable ranking points and experience for players outside the top 10, especially those from South America and Africa.
Why It Matters
The 2017 Grand Prix Hassan II – Doubles holds significance in the ATP calendar for emerging doubles teams and clay-court specialists. Its location in North Africa makes it a unique stop, promoting tennis development in a region with growing interest.
- Regional Development: The tournament boosts tennis visibility in Morocco and across Africa, inspiring young athletes and increasing local investment in sports infrastructure.
- Player Opportunity: Unseeded teams like Durán and Molteni can earn 250 ATP points, dramatically improving their world rankings and tournament access.
- Clay-Court Preparation: Serves as a lead-up event to the French Open, helping players adapt to clay conditions before the Grand Slam season.
- International Pairings: Encourages cross-border partnerships, fostering camaraderie and strategic diversity in doubles play across national lines.
- Economic Impact: Draws international media and fans, contributing to tourism and local business in Casablanca during the tournament week.
- Historical Legacy: Honors King Hassan II’s support for sports, maintaining a cultural and diplomatic bridge between Europe, Africa, and the global tennis community.
Overall, the 2017 edition underscored the tournament’s role as a springboard for talent and a celebration of international sportsmanship on the ATP Tour.
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Sources
- WikipediaCC-BY-SA-4.0
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