61st Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell starts with Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Thomas Berdych on the court

Barcelona (CNA).- The ATP World Tour 500 stops at Barcelona this week to celebrate the Open Banc Sabadell, also known as the Conde de Godó Trophy. Rafael Nadal will try to repeat last year’s victory over David Ferrer, who aims to win this tournament for the first time. Other first-class players such as Thomas Berdych, Nicolás Almagro, Juan Mónaco or Fernando Verdasco will compete on the clay of the Real Club de Tennis Barcelona.

The Conde de Godó Trophy is the oldest tennis tournament in Spain and has taken place every year at the oldest club in the country, Real Club de Tennis Barcelona, founded in 1899. In 1953, count Carlos Godó created an international tennis tournament that, as years went by, would become one of the most prestigious and attractive on the clay court circuit, especially for young players. Rising stars Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori are participating in the Open Banc Sabadell for the third consecutive year. They are number 15 and 16 respectively in the ATP Rankings and are called on join the top 10 over the coming years.

Another attraction of the tournament is the doubles draw. The 2012 ATP World Tour Finals winning couple Marcel Granollers and Marc López is in great shape to achieve its first victory at the Open Banc Sabadell, after last year’s defeat in the final.