Preview: Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell

City: Barcelona, Spain
Surface: Outdoor Clay
Championship Points: 500
2008 Singles Champion: Rafael Nadal
2008 Doubles Champions: Mike Bryan/Bob Bryan

Rafael Nadal is the four-time defending champion and the one to beat this week. David Nalbandian could be standing in his way in the quarterfinals since he is the only person on the tour with a winning record against Nadal at 2-1.

The bottom half of Nadal’s side of the draw has Stanislas Wawrinka anchoring it. The Swiss had a good tournament in Monte-Carlo by making it to the semifinals. Nikolay Davydenko and Guillermo Canas are also in his quarter of the draw.

The other half of the draw has the other top Spaniards: Tommy Robredo, David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco. They are playing for the opportunity to play Rafael Nadal in the final. Robredo, the 2004 champion, has to get passed Ferrer, last year’s finalist, in the quarterfinals. Verdasco’s possible quarterfinal could be difficult because he could have to contend with Fernando Gonzalez or Juan Monaco.

Veterans Juan Carlos Ferrero and Gaston Gaudio were given wildcards and will put in an appearance this week.

Tournament Draw
Singles / Doubles

Tournament Malfeasance
Juan Monaco vs. Marat Safin

Monday’s Order of Play

(Images: Barcelona Open)