The Sunshine Double may be over, but the ATP action doesn’t stop. The focus now turns to the European clay season, which officially gets underway with the Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo. This week, there’ll be two tune-up events–in Houston and Marrakech, respectively. While lacking the star power expected in Monte Carlo, the ATP 250s will be an excellent opportunity for players to get used to a new surface. Read on for a preview of each event.
What to Watch on the ATP Tour This Week: Houston and Marrakech
Ruud and Fritz Lead Houston Field
The US Men’s Clay Court Championship returns for the first time since 2019, and the entry list boasts two of the most in-form players in the game right now. Top seed Casper Ruud is fresh off an impressive run in Miami. The Norwegian took out Alexander Zverev and Cameron Norrie en route to the final, where he lost to Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz. Fritz went out in the round of 16 in Miami, but won the title in Indian Wells two weeks ago. The American defeated Rafael Nadal in the final, moving up to a career-high ranking of No. 13. Both Fritz and Ruud receive byes to the 2nd round.
The first round is still worth watching, though. 5th seed Cristian Garin of Chile is a clay specialist who will be eager to display his skills on the dirt. He faces American Jack Sock in a mouthwatering clash. Nick Kyrgios, the temperamental Aussie, takes on Mackenzie McDonald of the USA in another exciting matchup. Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe and Jenson Brooksby will all also be in action over the first two days of the tournament.
This season, doubles is attracting more and more media attention, and with good reason. Several singles stars have been partnering up on the doubles court to great success. We’ll see that again in Houston, as Kyrgios and Sock team up for the first time. The flashy duo are seeded 3rd and have both won important titles this year, though with different partners. Kyrgios took home the Australian Open crown alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, while Sock and John Isner triumphed in Indian Wells. Now, they join forces in search of another addition to the trophy cabinet.
Auger-Aliassime and Evans Try Their Luck in Marrakech
Meanwhile, in Morocco, Felix Auger-Aliassime will try and turn things around after a disappointing trip to the US. He lost in the 2nd round in both Indian Wells and Miami, despite winning Rotterdam just weeks earlier. He’ll be joined in Marrakech by World No. 26 Dan Evans. The Brit has had a lackluster season ever since his impressive performance in the ATP Cup. He’s known as a hard-courter, but Evans can always spring a surprise on the clay. Just last year, he beat Novak Djokovic in the round of 16 in Monte Carlo.
As for the best matches to watch in the first round, Auger-Aliassime vs Elliot Benchetrit has to be at the top of the list. Benchetrit is Morocco’s No. 1, and though he’d normally be a complete outsider against a top 10 opponent, he’ll have the full support of the crowd on his side. Another exciting match is a battle between 5th seed Federico Delbonis and unseeded Joao Sousa. Both are veterans who thrive on the clay, making for an intriguing battle to start the tournament.
All in all, there’s no shortage of great tennis on the horizon. Just one week separates Miami and Monte Carlo, but don’t look away from your television. Houston and Marrakech are two tournaments you don’t want to miss.
Main Photo from Getty.
