'Rafael Nadal is always the favorite on clay,' said David Ferrer

The Barcelona Open tournament director Davis Ferrer stands as the most accomplished player at this event who never won the title, losing four finals to his great compatriot Rafael Nadal.

Although it wasn't always easy, Rafa scored those victories over David between 2008-2012, facing each other in the final four times in five years to dominate the rest of the field. Nadal is the 11-time Barcelona Open champion, seeking the 12th crown this week and opening the campaign against Ilya Ivashka on Wednesday.

Nadal lost to Andrey Rublev in Monte Carlo last week, trying to get back on the winning way and lift the first ATP title since Roland Garros in October. For Ferrer, Nadal is always the favorite at every clay tournament as long as he is healthy and motivated.

"Rafa played two very good matches in Monte Carlo, but we have to say that Andrey Rublev was better than him in the quarters. The clay season has just started, and for me, Rafa is the clear favorite in the upcoming tournaments if he stays healthy and motivated. Without a Major injury, he is always the favorite for me," David Ferrer said.