Bracciali, Knowle and HEAD Successful in Casablanca

HEAD’s pro team experienced a weekend full of triumph as Austrian Julian Knowle took the doubles crown with partner and countryman Jurgen Melzer Saturday and Italian Daniele Bracciali claimed the singles title on Sunday at the 2006 Grand Prix Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco.

It was Bracciali’s first appearance in an ATP final, as well as the 28-year-old’s first career title. Bracciali upset top seed Nicolas Massu of Chile in a quick 6-1, 6-4 decision. A newcomer to the Grand Prix Hassan II, he became the first Italian to win an ATP victory since Filippo Volandri in 2004.

Top seeded Knowle and partner Melzer proved too much for their opponents, Germans Michael Kohmann and Alexander Waske (also a HEAD pro player), and claimed their first ATP title of the year in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. Knowle and Melzer improved their 2006 record to 17-8. The duo captured one ATP title in St. Petersburg in 2005.

Both Knowle and Bracciali play with the HEAD Liquidmetal Prestige. A player favorite on the ATP Tour, the HEAD Prestige is the racquet of choice for 25 of the top 100 ATP players.