CASABLANCA, March 21, 2015
Lamine Ouahab, Morocco’s top-ranked player, beat Spanish youngster Javier Martí for the second time within two months in one and the same city. The world number 336 defeated the 23-year-old Spaniard at the ITF Pro Circuit event in Casablanca on Saturday winning 6-3, 6-3. Ouahab, originally born in Algiers, broke his opponent’s service five times to capture his 22nd Future career title, his first since winning in Umag one year ago.
Javier Martí after losing another final against Ouahab in Casablanca on Saturday (photo: twitter @oscarburrieza)
The 30-year-old was also successful against Martí in January, this time taking the title at the ATP Challenger event in Casablanca. Back then, Ouahab also emerged victorious in straight sets winning 7-6, 6-0. It was the Moroccan’s first Challenger crown within nine years. “It is difficult to find my words,” said Ouahab in January. “I want to congratulate Javier who is a great player, coming back from a long injury and I think that if he continues like this he will be for sure among the Top 100. For me, I was waiting for this result for nine years. Lately I worked hard with Hicham Arazi, who I thank very much. Thanks of course to my wife and my kids.”
Lamine Ouahab claimed his third ATP Challenger career title in Casablanca this year
The ITF Future Circuit continues with another US-$ 10.000-event in Morocco’s largest city next week. Another clash between the two players, however, will be impossible then. Only Martí’s name can be found on the tournament’s acceptance list.
