Moroccan tennis player Malak El Allami is set to face the defending champion and world number 48, Italian Lucia Bronzetti, in the first round of the 22nd Grand Prix HRH Princess Lalla Meryem tennis tournament. The tournament draw took place on Saturday in Rabat, promising exciting matches ahead.

Joining El Allami in the main draw are fellow Moroccans Aya El Aouni and Yasmine Kabbaj, both of whom received wild-cards. El Aouni will compete against Egypt’s Mayar Sherif, ranked 80th in the world and fresh from a final appearance at the Parma Open. Kabbaj is set to challenge Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto, ranked 56th globally.

Khalid Outaleb, the technical director for this edition of the tournament, acknowledged the difficult road ahead for the Moroccan players, particularly highlighting the challenges for El Allami against the reigning champion, and for El Aouni, whose opponent is determined to claim the title.

In a press statement, Outaleb noted that this year’s event is historic, with three Moroccan player
s in the main draw for the first time. He also pointed out the significance of the North African derby between El Aouni and Sherif, marking a first in the tournament’s history.

Outaleb commented on the high level of competition, attributing it to the proximity of the tournament to Roland-Garros, which offers a crucial preparation opportunity for many players. The event, under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, features 60 players from 23 countries, including 30 players ranked in the top 100. Notable participants include defending champion Lucia Bronzetti, China’s Yue Yuan (world number 38), Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo (world number 47), and Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

The tournament, with a prize pool of $267,000, will award 250 WTA points to the winner, 163 points to the finalist, and 98 points to the semi-finalists. Last year’s title was claimed by Bronzetti after a hard-fought victory over Austria’s Julia Graber, with scores of 4-6, 7-5, 7-5.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse