David Ferrer slipped off the radar in the second half of 2008, but the dogged Spaniard has returned resurgent in 2009 although he has yet to land a title this campaign.

Ferrer, who boasts supreme fitness and electric pace around a tennis court, has all the ingredients of a claycourt specialist.

He proved his worth on clay when he reached the final in Barcelona before falling to the sword of world number one - and perhaps the greatest player to grace the red surface - Rafael Nadal.

Boasting an exceptional record in five-set matches, Ferrer is not so suited to the slicker grass.

However, he has a grasscourt title on his CV (last year in Den Bosch) while he made the last 16 here three years ago, so don't be surprised if he does indeed make the second week.