The Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech is set for thrilling semifinals, featuring a compelling mix of talent: two Argentinian players, a reigning Italian champion, and a young Spanish sensation making his mark. Saturday’s battles on the red clay promise exciting tennis. We’re here to provide our insights and predictions for each match. Who will advance to the final?
ATP Marrakech Semifinal Predictions
Rafael Jodar vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Nineteen-year-old Rafael Jodar has enjoyed an outstanding debut clay-court season on the ATP Tour, culminating in a remarkable semifinal run here. He comfortably defeated Lajovic, triumphed in a challenging three-set encounter against Machac, and showed dominance against Muller before his opponent’s retirement. Jodar’s aggressive baseline play, strong serve, and potent forehand are particularly effective on slower surfaces. His achievement as only the fourth teenager this century to reach the Marrakech semifinals highlights the exceptional nature of his performance.
However, Camilo Ugo Carabelli presents a formidable challenge. The Argentinian boasts a solid 9-3 record on clay in 2026 and has demonstrated significant grit throughout his three matches in Marrakech, notably coming back from a 6-0 first-set loss against Van Assche. He is an experienced clay-court player, accustomed to tough battles, who knows how to win ugly, break rhythms, and keep the ball in play under pressure. His journey through the draw this week has certainly battle-hardened him.
Jodar’s current form and confidence are perfectly suited for such a significant match. Yet, Ugo Carabelli’s tenacity and deep understanding of clay-court play make him a challenging adversary. Ultimately, Jodar’s powerful serve and efficient point-finishing ability are expected to be decisive, likely in a three-set affair.
Prediction: Jodar in 3
Luciano Darderi vs Marco Trungelliti
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Luciano Darderi enters this semifinal as the defending champion and arguably the tournament’s most in-form clay-court specialist. Currently ranked 19th globally, he boasts an impressive record of 17 wins in his last 19 clay matches. This week, he has been impeccable, not dropping a single set and rarely facing a break point in his completed matches. Having secured the Santiago title earlier this season, Darderi appears perfectly comfortable on the Marrakech red clay once again.
Marco Trungelliti has been a standout performer of this clay season. The 36-year-old secured his second career ATP semifinal appearance with a hard-fought three-set victory over Moutet (4-6, 6-3, 6-4). His incredible run this year includes an impressive 12-1 record on clay in 2026, having started from the qualifying rounds. Throughout the week, Trungelliti has consistently demonstrated his prowess in extending rallies, wearing down opponents, and excelling in decisive sets.
Trungelliti’s challenge lies in the fact that Darderi excels precisely in the extended baseline rallies that the Argentinian typically aims for. The Italian displays superior movement and cleaner ball-striking on clay, and his familiarity with this specific court is undeniable. While Trungelliti deserves immense praise for his journey to the semifinals, Darderi is expected to possess the necessary advantage to progress comfortably.
Prediction: Darderi in 2