During his pre-tournament press activity, Nadal appeared calm and prepared for the tournament and the 14-time Grand Slam champion says he is “very excited” to be playing in the Spanish capital.

If Nadal does progress to the quarter finals, he will no longer have to face old foe Roger Federer, who pulled out of the event on Monday due to a back injury.

And fresh from back-to-back wins in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, the 29-year-old has shown plenty of signs that he means business as he looks to win a 10th French Open crown on the clay this summer.

“Mentally I’ve been strong again and I’m happy with the way I’ve been practicing.”

Nadal is currently on a 10-game winning streak and will be hoping his form continues well into the Madrid Open.