The King of Clay is coming from a tough loss in Monte Carlo where he couldn’t win his 9th consecutive title. There is no time for mourning as Rafa has to prepare to play in Barcelona where he is the super favorite.
Rafa has won 7 of the last 8 editions. The only time he didn’t manage to win this tournament was in 2010 as he wasn’t able to play. Last year Rafa won the title in Barcelona defeating David Ferrer 7-6 (1) 7-5.
The seeds
The top seeds are Ferrer, Nadal, Berdych, Almagro, Raonic, Nishikori, Kohlschreiber, Janowicz, Chardy, Klizan, Verdasco, Paire, Dimitrov, Grannolers, Bellucci.
Here the analysis per quarter
1st Quarter – Ferrer
| Round | Opponent | Head to Head |
| 1st | Bye | |
| 2nd | Istomin | 1-1 |
| 3rd | Bellucci | 3-1 Ferrer, 2-1 on clay |
| Quarters | Kohlschreiber | 7-3 Ferrer, 2-1 for David on clay |
| Semis | Almagro | 13-0 Ferrer |
2nd Quarter – Almagro
| Round | Opponent | Head to Head |
| 1st | Bye | |
| 2nd | Dodig | First time playing |
| 3rd | Granollers | 6-0 Almagro |
| Quarters | Monaco | 4-3 Almagro |
| Semis | Ferrer | 13-0 Ferrer |
3rd Quarter – Berdych
| Round | Opponent | Head to Head |
| 1st | Bye | |
| 2nd | Davydenko | 9-2 Davydenko |
| 3rd | Dimitrov | 2-0 Dimitrov |
| Quarters | Raonic | 1-0 Raonic |
| Semis | Nadal | 13-3 Rafa that has won the last 12. |
4th Quarter – Nadal
| Round | Opponent | Head to Head |
| 1st | Bye | |
| 2nd | Berlocq | 1-0 Nadal |
| 3rd | Paire | First Time playing |
| Quarters | Nishikori | 4-0 Nishikori |
| Semis | Berdych | 13-3 Rafa that has won the last 12. |
This is the complete draw
Last year’s final when Nadal won 7-6 (1) 7-5
