What Is 2001 Grand Prix Hassan II - Singles

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2001 Grand Prix Hassan II – Singles was a men's tennis tournament held in Casablanca, Morocco, from April 30 to May 6, 2001. Guillermo Cañas of Argentina won the title by defeating Hicham Arazi in the final with a score of 7–6(7–5), 6–2.

Key Facts

The 2001 Grand Prix Hassan II – Singles took place from April 30 to May 6, 2001
It was held on outdoor clay courts at the Complexe Al Amal in Casablanca, Morocco
Guillermo Cañas won the singles title, defeating Hicham Arazi in the final
The final score was 7–6(7–5), 6–2 in favor of Cañas
This was Cañas’s first ATP title since returning from a two-year doping suspension

Overview

The 2001 Grand Prix Hassan II – Singles was an ATP men's tennis tournament held in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of the International Series. Played on outdoor clay courts, the event took place from April 30 to May 6, 2001, at the Complexe Al Amal. It was the 17th edition of the Grand Prix Hassan II, named in honor of King Hassan II of Morocco.

As a Category 2.1 tournament on the ATP Tour, it attracted a mix of established and emerging players. The event featured a 32-player singles draw, with Guillermo Cañas emerging as champion after defeating local favorite Hicham Arazi in the final. This victory marked a significant comeback for Cañas following a two-year suspension due to a doping violation.

Guillermo Cañas won the singles title, defeating Hicham Arazi in straight sets with a final score of 7–6(7–5), 6–2.
The tournament was held on outdoor clay courts, a surface known for longer rallies and strategic play, typical of European spring events.
Cañas entered the tournament unseeded but advanced through five rounds without dropping a set, showcasing strong form.
Local player Hicham Arazi, ranked No. 48 at the time, reached his first ATP final since 1999, energizing home crowds in Casablanca.
The prize money for the winner was $32,000, part of a total purse of $375,000, standard for ATP International Series events.

How It Works

The Grand Prix Hassan II is an annual ATP Tour event that follows standard professional tennis tournament structure, including qualifying rounds, main draw, and knockout format. Held in Morocco, it is one of the few ATP events on the African continent.

Format: The singles event featured a 32-player draw with four rounds leading to the final. Matches were best-of-three sets with a tiebreak in each set if needed.
Surface: Played on red clay, the surface slows ball speed and increases bounce, favoring baseline players with strong endurance and topspin.
Seeding: The top four players were seeded to avoid early matchups; however, Cañas was unseeded and still won the title, a rare feat.
Prize Money: The 2001 event offered $375,000 in total prize money, with the winner receiving $32,000 and 90 ATP ranking points.
ATP Ranking Points: The champion earned 90 points, crucial for players like Cañas trying to regain position after a suspension.
Historical Context: This was the 17th edition of the tournament, first held in 1984, and part of the ATP’s International Series tier in 2001.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2001 Grand Prix Hassan II compares to other ATP tournaments of similar tier and surface.

Tournament	Location	Surface	Prize Money	ATP Points (Winner)
Grand Prix Hassan II 2001	Casablanca, Morocco	Clay	$375,000	90
Barcelona Open 2001	Barcelona, Spain	Clay	$800,000	175
Monte-Carlo Masters 2001	Monte Carlo, Monaco	Clay	$2,450,000	300
Umag Open 2001	Umag, Croatia	Clay	$375,000	90
French Open 2001	Paris, France	Clay	$6,000,000	1000

The 2001 Grand Prix Hassan II was comparable in prize money and points to other International Series clay-court events like Umag, but significantly smaller than ATP Masters 1000 or Grand Slam events. Its location in Africa makes it unique on the tour calendar.

Why It Matters

The 2001 edition was pivotal for both the tournament’s legacy and player development, especially for Guillermo Cañas. His victory signaled a successful return to form after a two-year absence due to a doping ban, reigniting his career.

Cañas’s comeback demonstrated that players could return to elite level after suspension, influencing future ATP disciplinary policies.
The tournament highlighted Morocco’s role in promoting tennis in Africa, one of the few ATP stops on the continent.
Hicham Arazi’s run to the final boosted tennis popularity in Morocco and inspired future generations of African players.
The event contributed to the globalization of the ATP Tour, expanding beyond traditional European and North American bases.
Clay-court preparation in spring helped players transition to the French Open, making it a strategic stop on the calendar.
The 2001 edition set attendance records for the tournament, with over 15,000 spectators attending the final day.

Overall, the 2001 Grand Prix Hassan II – Singles was more than just a title win; it was a moment of personal redemption and regional pride, reinforcing the tournament’s significance in the ATP landscape.