Rafael Nadal News: Barcelona Open Prediction As King Of Clay Makes Push For 2017 French Open Title

Days after yet his 10th triumph at the Monte Carlo Masters, Rafael Nadal is set to compete in another tournament he has dominated over the years: the Barcelona Open. Nadal begins the tournament on Wednesday after his Sunday win in Monaco over 15th-seeded Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

Nadal, who grew up in nearby Mallorca, has won the Barcelona Open nine times, and often barely breaks a sweat doing it. Before injuries in 2014 and 2015, he breezed through the red clay tournament with rare challenges from top-seeded players. In his nine titles, only three finals opponents took him to three sets and it's no coincidence that they were Spaniards Juan Carlos Ferrero, Tommy Robredo and David Ferrer.

The 30-year-old begins the Round of 32 on Wednesday against Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva, who defeated Renzo Olivo of Argentina on Tuesday.

In Monte Carlo, Nadal appeared to be headed for a possible showdown with superstars Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic or Stan Wawrinka. But the top seeds were eliminated before the semifinals and Nadal easily fended off Diego Schwartzman and David Goffin before the final, conceding a total of just 16 games in his last three matches.

There had been a lead-up to Nadal's success that even he acknowledged in early April.

"I think I am close to where I need to be," said Nadal. "I am at a very high level of tennis and I believe I am ready to win these titles. I already played three finals this year and today I lost to a player that had lost only one match."

In Barcelona, Nadal may cruise to the finals as a No. 3 seed with Kei Nishikori out with a wrist injury and No. 34-ranked Ferrer already eliminated. Goffin remains his most daunting potential opponent before a possible showdown with Murray in the final.

The big prize for Nadal remains the French Open, which begins on May 28. Nadal and Djokovic have the same odds to win at Roland Garros, at +200.

Prediction: Not only is Nadal playing with renewed confidence and in good health, he will have a home crowd cheering him on. Expect Nadal to capture his 10th Barcelona Open title and without much serious trouble.