Fresh from guaranteeing his first title in almost two years at the Monte Carlo Masters, Rafael Nadal can tie Guillermo Vilas' record of 49 earth court titles on home soil at the Barcelona Open this week.
Nadal is a serial victor in the Catalan capital having won the title eight times, however has drooped to stun massacres in each of the previous two years to Nicolas Almagro and Fabio Fognini.
"I had an intense season in the most recent couple of years, however I've would do well to readiness this year, even with an extreme begin to the season," said Nadal in the wake of lifting his 28th Masters title.
"I trust it helps my season with certainty for the following couple of competitions. I've possessed the capacity to play well for two occasions in succession — Indian Wells and here — winning against exceptionally extreme rivals so that is useful for my certainty."
Cryptic Italian Fognini has been a headache for Nadal in the previous two years as he has twice vanquished the Spaniard on mud and originated from two sets down to beat the 14-time Grand Slam champion at the US Open last September.
The two could meet again in the quarter-finals as Nadal has been given a precarious draw with comrade David Ferrer likewise possibly anticipating in the semis.
"I've been given an extreme course and, in addition, I am returning from harm," said Fognini.
"I trust I can have a decent competition and exploit a few players arriving somewhat drained in the wake of playing in the previous couple of weeks."
Nadal will begin against another kindred Spaniard with the champ of Marcel Granollers and Daniel Munoz de la Navas anticipating him in cycle two.
Japan's Kei Nishikori has involved Nadal's tossed for as far back as two years and the world number six is seeded second on the other portion of the draw.
Nishikori is making his introduction on dirt this season having skipped Monte Carlo in the wake of achieving the last of the Miami Masters prior this month.
"I am glad to be back in Barcelona," said Nishikori.
"I feel great and plan to win my third successive title here."
Nishikori seems to have a less demanding course to the last than Nadal as he begins against either Dutchman Thiemo de Bakker or Sweden's Eliam Ymer with the fourth main 10 player in the field Richard Gasquet conceivably anticipating in the semi-finals.
World number eight Ferrer begins against Santiago Giraldo or veteran Radek Stepanek, whilst Gasquet will confront Malek Jaziri or Hyeon Chung in cycle two.
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