Resilient and consistent as always, sixth-seeded David Ferrer of Spain will lock horns with his compatriot and World No. 23 Marcel Granollers, who has been enjoying a decent form of late. Like typical Spanish players, these two contenders also like to play on red-soil and has the ability to test the bests in business. Ferrer will take on his compatriot to secure his berth in the quarterfinal of the 2012 French Open, this year’s second Grand Slam tournament, being played here in Roland Garros, Paris.

With three ATP World Tour titles already in his kitty, David Ferrer has been living up to his reputation as one of the most consistent contenders on tour. Obviously, Ferrer produces his best results on clay and now that he has reached the last sixteen, we can expect that this feisty Spaniard will not leave any stone unturned to make his presence felt – among the top contenders vying for the title. Ferrer has a very good 35-7 win-loss record for the season so far and he is bidding for his 15th career title.

Ferrer’s opponent Marcel Granollers also has a decent 10-10 win-loss record for the season so far. But, we should not forget that most of those losses came on other surfaces rather than clay. The twenty six years old Granollers turned professional in 2003 and has won three ATP World Tour titles so far. Currently he has been enjoying his highest ranking in ATP.

In head-to-head, Ferrer apparently leads with 3-0 against his compatriot. Last time they took on each other in 2011 Miami Masters, where Ferrer topped Granollers in straight sets. Their only meeting on clay came in 2010 Barcelona Open, where Ferrer beat his compatriot in straight sets. Well, Granollers must be looking forward to avenge those losses, but he needs to come up with something special to beat Ferrer.