Robredo, Struff Win Marrakech Openers

The Grand Prix Hassan II holds special memories for Tommy Robredo and the Spaniard made a winning start on Monday in Marrakech as he defeated qualifier Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-4, 6-4 in the first round.

On his only two previous appearances at this ATP World Tour 250 clay-court tournament, when it was held in Casablanca, the 34-year-old Robredo reached the final in 2001 (l. to Canas) and returned in 2013 to win the title (d. Anderson).

Robredo’s 10-1 Marrakech record will be put to the test in the second round, where he is set to face top seed Grigor Dimitrov. Robredo leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head series 2-1, winning their most recent contest in Indian Wells two years ago.

Second seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas will open his campaign against qualifier Laslo Djere, who claimed the first tour-level win of his career as he defeated Martin Klizan 7-6(3), 6-3.

In remaining first-round action, Jan-Lennard Struff advanced with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over qualifier Taro Daniel.