Grand Slam protagonists start clay season with wins

Treble Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini made solid starts to the clay season on Tuesday, advancing to the second round of the ATP event in Marrakech.

Swiss Warwrinka kicked off his debut at the North African venue 6-1, 6-4 over Albert Ramos-Vinolas, running his career record over the Spaniard to a perfect 9-0.

Berrettini, who lost the All England Club final to Novak Djokovic three years ago, put out sixth seed Alexander Shevchenko 6-2, 6-1 as the No. 135 Italian – who once stood sixth in the world – makes a slow comeback from an ankle injury.

Berrettini won his first match of the season after a late start last month as he competes on clay for only the fourth time since Roland Garros in 2021.

Wawrinka, 39 last week, who last won a match six weeks ago in South America. was pleased with victory.

“I feel good after the match, happy to be here in Marrakech for the first time,”  the winner of the tournament 14 years ago when it was played in Morocco said.

“I’m super happy to be here. I’m looking forward to the next match.”

Berrettini was equally satisfied: “It’s great to be back, I’m just really happy.

Seven months without playing is a long time. I missed it, and that’s why I have so much energy right now. I’m just enjoying playing.”

“I didn’t expect to play so many matches in a row, but it’s good, it’s what I needed. It’s probably one of the reasons why I won this match.”

Berrettini  joined fellow Italian Flavio Cobolli in the second round in straight sets. Fabio Fognini made it a winning trio, 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4 over France’s Hugo Gaston.