The 2011 Valencia Open gets underway this week with David Ferrer returning to his hometown event to defend his title.
The Valencia Open used to herald the start of the clay-court season but from 2009 onwards it's been transformed from a minor event in April to one of the biggest tournaments on the indoor season. The towering stadium is one of the modern architectural delights of the city and it serves as a key battleground as some of the world's best players fight it out for the last remaining spots at the ATP World Finals.
Ferrer is already certain of his place in London, lying comfortably at fifth in the rankings but he'll be keen to win his third Valencia title.
He'll face a tough challenge from the likes of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Juan Martin Del Potro. Tsonga is looking to make sure of his place in London and if he wins the title this week, it will take a mathematical fluke for someone to overtake him. He's in fine form after winning Vienna last week, beating Del Potro in the final.
The Argentine still has a slim chance of qualifying but regardless he'll be happy to be back close to his best as he bids to regain his place in the top ten next season.
Gael Monfils is always very dangerous indoors and he won his fourth title in Stockholm just over a week ago. The same can be said for his compatriot Gilles Simon and watch out for Feliciano Lopez who scored a number of scalps on the way to the Shanghai Masters semis earlier this month.
