Rafael Nadal to face Grigor Dimitrov challenge as world No 3 adds tournament to schedule
RAFAEL NADAL will likely have to beat Grigor Dimitrov if he wants to add an 11th Barcelona Open title to his record.
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Nadal has twice been awarded a giant silver replica of the Conde De Godo Trophy to commemorate five victories at the tournament.
The Spaniard has won two other tournaments - the Monte Carlo Masters and the French Open - as many times but now Dimitrov is the first to confirm that he will try to stop the world No 1 adding to that tally.
"For next year's tournament [April 21-29] it's great that we already have confirmation from a player as talented as Dimitrov,” said tournament director Albert Costa.
“Grigor has been undoubtedly the best tennis player of the season finale, playing top-level tennis in London.
“I am convinced that the fans will be grateful that he comes to Barcelona, where he has barely been seen.
“Our fans and tennis fans are in luck.”
Dimitrov has played the tournament just three times previously compared to Nadal’s 14 appearances.
But the Bulgarian enjoyed the best season of his life in 2017, finishing in the top 10 for the very first time and winning a career-high four titles, including the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
However, Nadal has only been beaten twice in his entire career in Barcelona since his first title in 2005.
Unless there is a drastic change in the ratings, Nadal and Dimitrov will likely be the top two seeds in Barcelona, making their meeting a potential final.
But Dimitrov has an enviable record against Nadal on the Spaniard’s favoured clay: in their three meetings he has never triumphed and has only managed to win one set.
