Ahead of the tournament in Spain this week, Rafael Nadal, a four-time winner of the event, starts as a major contender to win it again after a recent upturn in results on the court.
Victorious form
Last year was a disappointing one for Nadal as he won only three titles all season and failed to win any of the grand slams for the first time since 2004.
But the world No 5 is showing a sign of a return to form, having won the first two major clay court tournaments of 2016 in Monte Carlo and Barcelona to establish himself as a major contender this week.
Ability
Nadal made the final in Madrid last year, where he lost 6-3, 6-2 to world No 2 Andy Murray.
The 14-time major winner said he had never lost belief in his ability despite his disappointing results over the previous 12 months.
“I’ve been playing well for a while,” Nadal said. “But you need the results to come along with that.”
Best players
Last year’s success was Murray’s first Masters title on clay and he is yet to win a title in 2016, going out in Monte Carlo to Nadal at the semi-final stage last month.
Of Nadal, Murray said: “Every player goes through periods where they don’t necessarily play as well as they have done previously. Rafa is still one of the best players on the surface.”
Confidence
Of his success last year, Murray, the two-time major winner, said: “My preparation last year was probably the best it’s ever been for the clay.
“I prepared for the event more thoroughly than I had done in previous years. When you have done everything you can do to ensure that you’re ready for the surface, it gives you confidence.”
Strong field
Nadal is the most successful player in the tournament’s history, having won it four times, most recently in 2014 when he beat Kei Nishikori in the final.
There are four former champions in the field this week, with the final next Sunday, with world No 1 Novak Djokovic, Murray and Roger Federer in a line-up which includes all the top 10 players currently listed on the ATP rankings list.
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