Reda Bennani, Rising Star of Moroccan Tennis, Claims First International Title in Tangier
It was a historic moment for Moroccan tennis as 18-year-old Reda Bennani clinched his first senior international title this weekend, following an all-Moroccan final at the M15 tournament held on the courts of Tangier’s municipal club.
Facing his compatriot Yassine Dlimi (22), Bennani showed remarkable composure and control, winning in straight sets (7-6, 6-4) in front of an enthusiastic local crowd. This victory is especially noteworthy considering Bennani is a homegrown talent, trained entirely in Morocco without attending any foreign tennis academies.
A meteoric rise against the odds:
The win gives Bennani a significant boost in the ATP rankings, now placing him at 779th worldwide, making him the third-highest-ranked Moroccan behind Elliot Benchetrit (717 ATP, trained in France) and Taha Baadi (769 ATP, trained in Canada). Even more impressively, he currently ranks 19th globally among under-19 players — a feat made all the more remarkable by his recent six-month hiatus following a major surgery in late 2024.
Bennani now represents the hopes of a new generation of Moroccan tennis players, determined to make their mark despite limited domestic opportunities. This year, the Royal Moroccan Tennis Federation has scheduled only three M15 international tournaments, offering few chances to compete at home.
Another Moroccan talent in the spotlight:
Yassine Dlimi, Bennani’s opponent in the final, also deserves credit. A student-athlete at a U.S. university, Dlimi has had a strong run in recent local tournaments. His recent performances have earned him a jump to 868th in the world, making him the fourth-ranked Moroccan player and highlighting his steady rise despite balancing academics and athletics.
Looking ahead to the international circuit:
Each player now looks toward their next challenge. Dlimi is expected to compete in upcoming tournaments in Tunisia, while Bennani heads to Serbia to chase more ATP points, with his sights set on climbing the professional circuit.
Reda Bennani’s triumph in Tangier is more than just a title. It marks the arrival of a raw, promising, and determined talent who could well revive Moroccan tennis on the global stage.
Editorial team/le7tv
