Rafa Nadal competes for his 9th Godó Trophy against a strong lineup in Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell

Barcelona (CNA).- This week the ATP World Tour 500 series is in Barcelona for the 62^nd  edition of the Conde de Godó Trophy, officially named Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell 2014. Rafael Nadal is the defending champion looking to retain his title, but the world no. 1 faces tough competition as the tournament features a strong lineup of some of the best clay court specialists in the world including fellow compatriot and four time finalist David Ferrer, one of the strongest contenders for the title. The lineup also includes former local resident Fabio Fognini, ranked 13^th in the world and also a member of Real Club de Tennis Barcelona.

The tournament is the oldest tennis event in Spain and is held by the oldest tennis club in the country, Real Club de Tenis Barcelona. The perfect venue for one of the most prestigious events of the clay court season, the Godó trophy naturally attracts some of the best players on this surface. This year’s tournament is particularly exciting because the event has a competitive build up, as David Ferrer beat Rafael Nadal last week in Monte Carlo. In addition many rising stars are competing for this year’s trophy alongside established players.

Besides the Men’s Singles competition, the Barcelona Open also attracts some of best double players. Among the competitors for the Men’s Doubles trophy are Fernando Verdasco and David Marrero who won the ATP World Tour Finals last year. They will face fierce competition from another Spanish couple, Marcel Granollers and Marc López, who preceded them as ATP World Tour champions.