Tomas Machac and Rafael Jodar will be facing each other for the first time in their careers when they collide in the second round of the Grand Prix Hassan II on Thursday.
Jodar has just appeared on the main tour – and he’s doing a great job with it, too, at just 19 years old. The former University of Virginia standout made a splash by beating Student Tien at the 2025 NetGen ATP Finals, and has continued his good form this season. Jodar, already up to No. 89 in the rankings, earned his eighth ATP win (sixth this year) with a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Dusan Lajovic on Tuesday.
Machac has top-10 talent, but injuries have hampered him and he is currently ranked number 55 in the world. The 25-year-old Czech played well at the start of 2026, capturing the Adelaide title before reaching the third round of the Australian Open 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 position, he is certainly good at it. Machac’s 2024 season of dirt featured a runner-up finish in Geneva, where he upset Novak Djokovic before losing to Casper Ruud.
You never know what version of Machac will emerge, but a good one should have more than enough to advance to the quarterfinals in Marrakech.
Pick: Machac at 2
