Tomas Machac and Rafael Jodar will be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers when they collide in round two of the Grand Prix Hassan II on Thursday.
Jodar is just now emerging on the main tour — and he is doing a good job of it, too, at just 19 years old. The former University of Virginia standout made noise by beating Learner Tien at the 2025 NetGen ATP Finals, and he has continued his fine form this season. Jodar, who is already up to 89th in the rankings, earned his eighth ATP-level win (sixth this year) with a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Dusan Lajovic on Tuesday.
Machac is a top-10 talent, but injuries have held him back and he currently registers at No. 55 in the world. The 25-year-old Czech played well earlier in 2026, capturing the Adelaide title before reaching the Australian Open third round and falling to Lorenzo Musetti in five sets.
On the heels of a disappointing February and March, Machac should be able to get back on track during the clay-court swing. Although this may not be his best surface, he is certainly capable on it. Machac’s 2024 dirt season featured a runner-up performance in Geneva, where he upset Novak Djokovic before losing to Casper Ruud.
You never know which version of Machac will show up, but the good one should have more than enough to advance to the Marrakech quarterfinals.
Pick: Machac in 2