One of the brightest rising stars in international tennis is starting to generate serious buzz: Karim Bennani. The young Moroccan player turned heads with a standout performance at the prestigious ITF J300 tournament in Villena, Spain—a competition known for showcasing the best junior talent just shy of the pro circuit. At only 17, Bennani made a statement both in singles and doubles, signaling that he’s ready for the next level.
Held annually in memory of Eduardo Ferrero, this elite event draws the most promising players from around the world, and its 25th edition was no exception. Facing a field packed with future stars, Bennani didn’t just hold his own—he stood out. His composure, skill, and grit were on full display, particularly in doubles, where he teamed up with American Maxwell Exsted.
The pair’s path to the title wasn’t smooth. In the final, they were crushed 1-6 in the opening set by a formidable duo. But instead of crumbling, Bennani and Exsted mounted a dramatic comeback. They clawed their way back into the match, took the second set 6-4, and clinched the championship in a nail-biting super tie-break, 10-8. It was a victory defined by resilience and chemistry, highlighting Bennani’s ability to rise under pressure and thrive in a team dynamic.
And his impressive run didn’t end there. In singles, Bennani made it all the way to the final, where he faced Bulgaria’s Alexander Vasilev. The match turned into a battle of equals. The opening set was a high-caliber contest that went to a tense tie-break, which Bennani narrowly lost. Though he struggled to maintain momentum in the second set, ultimately falling 6-1, his overall performance left no doubt: he belongs on the court with the best of his generation.
With both a doubles trophy and a runner-up finish in singles, Karim Bennani leaves Spain as one of the breakout names of the tournament. His game, his mindset, and his maturity signal that this is just the beginning of a promising journey in global tennis.
