Defending champ Roger Federer stands at the top of the men's draw in Madrid, with three Spaniards prominent in the other three quarters of the draw.
Rafael Nadal is the second seed but the favorite for the title, having won Monte Carlo and Rome coming into the event. He could face big-serving Belgrade finalist John Isner in the third round and then possibly the winner of an all-French battle between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils, who was sidelined by stomach troubles last week.
The semifinals could bring a possible meeting with compatriot Fernando Verdasco, possibly the second-hottest player on clay this spring. His section includes Robin Soderling and Tomas Berdych, who will face David Nalbandian in Nalbandian's return from injury.
The second quarter of the the draw is headed by Andy Murray but another Spaniard, David Ferrer, has posted stronger results this spring. The two could meet in the quarterfinals. Belgrade titlist Sam Querrey, also in this section, will be looking to back up last week's surprise result.
Roger Federer is slated to meet compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka in the third round and then Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals, but the American also has Rome breakout Ernests Gulbis and Munich titlist Mikhail Youzhny in his section.
The full draw can be seen here.