(VIDEO) Chaos in Morocco: Colombian team escorted after bottles fly in Davis Cup tie
ATPSunday, 08 February 2026 at 22:00
Colombia secured a 3-1 victory over Morocco in the Davis Cup World Group I playoff, with Nicolás Mejía delivering the decisive third point. The match, held in Casablanca, escalated beyond tennis into a tense confrontation, both in the stands and on court.
Supporters threw bottles onto the clay surface, and confrontations erupted between the Colombian and Moroccan delegations. The situation grew so volatile that the Colombian team had to be escorted to their hotel after the tie concluded.
The series had steadily increased in intensity with each match. Morocco initially took the lead when Reda Bennani defeated Adria Soriano 7-6(4), 7-5. Colombia responded as Nicolás Mejía defeated Taha Baadi 6-3, 6-2, equalising the tie. The doubles match further shifted momentum, with Nicolás Barrientos and Juan Sebastián Gómez defeating Karim Bennani and Younes Lalami 7-6(5), 7-6(3), giving Colombia the edge before Mejía secured the final point.
The deciding match was fraught with tension. Every time Mejía prepared to serve, he was challenged and disrupted by the local crowd. Despite the pressure, he maintained focus and defeated Reda Bennani 6-1, 4-6, 6-2. His victory ensured Colombia’s progression to the next round, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the Davis Cup Qualifiers.
The conclusion of the match quickly turned confrontational. Mejía confronted the crowd directly, ordering them to be quiet and visibly celebrating his triumph. The Moroccan delegation protested, and tensions on court intensified with numerous bottles landing on the clay. Several fans attempted to enter the playing area, prompting security intervention to prevent escalation.
Tension escalates during decisive match
The Casablanca tie became a test of composure under pressure. The Moroccan crowd followed the matches passionately, and the early victory in the first match fueled their desire to see their team triumph over a Colombian squad that had been considered the favourite. The South Americans moved ahead to 2-1 without major incidents, leaving Nicolás Mejía in charge of securing the second win for Colombia and clinching the series.
Mejía, as the top-ranked player on his team (No. 177), was subjected to repeated crowd interference. Nonetheless, he delivered consistent performances to win the crucial third set and close the tie in Colombia’s favor. He was incited and uncomfortable every time he had to served reports from Colombian news confirmed from the match. This focused resilience allowed Colombia to overcome the hostile environment.
After winning the match, Mejía addressed the crowd directly, signaling the fans to quiet down. His gesture was a clear response to the incidents faced throughout the match. He then celebrated his triumph openly, marking both his personal and the team’s success in securing advancement.
The Moroccan team’s complaints intensified after the match, and both teams confronted each other as bottles continued to land on court. Security officials managed to contain the situation, preventing further escalation. Eventually, the Colombian delegation had to be escorted to their hotel for safety.
The Colombian team’s progress reflects a steady performance across the tie. After losing the opening match, the team recovered, winning the doubles and clinching the decisive point in the final singles. The 3-1 scoreline secures Colombia’s passage to the next stage of the Davis Cup World Group I playoffs, preserving their chance to compete in the qualifiers later this season.
Match summary and key results
• Day 1: Reda Bennani (MAR) def. Adria Soriano (COL) 7-6(4), 7-5
• Day 2: Nicolás Mejía (COL) def. Taha Baadi (MAR) 6-3, 6-2
• Doubles: Nicolás Barrientos/Juan Sebastián Gómez (COL) def. Karim Bennani/Younes Lalami (MAR) 7-6(5), 7-6(3)
• Deciding Singles: Nicolás Mejía (COL) def. Reda Bennani (MAR) 6-1, 4-6, 6-2
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