Former ATP World No. 1  and 2003 French Open Champion Juan Carlos Ferrero edged past fifth-seeded Frenchman Florent Serra 6-4, 7-5 on sunday to win the  Grand Prix Hassan II in Casablanca.

The Spaniard won his last title in October 2003 at ATP masters Madrid.

 "This is a special tournament for me," said Ferrero. "Ten years ago I played my first ATP World Tour tournament here and now I'm back winning the title. I'm very happy, it was a great week for me."

Ferreo added "It wasn't easy because Florent was playing very aggressively and I felt a lot of pressure,".I wanted to take my chances and finally I could win which makes me very happy." 

 "It is very important for my confidence that I won this tournament. This helps a lot coming back from an injury."

Serra, who was aiming to become the third successive Frenchman to lift the trophy in Casablanca , said "It was a great week for me but I'm a bit disappointed today."

"I was nervous at the beginning and Juan Carlos was playing really well. This city is special for me since my father was born here and I dedicate this final to him."