Barcelona, Nov 18 (IANS) Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will play in the Barcelona Open 2016, where he will seek his ninth conquest of the tournament.

Organisers on Tuesday announced that the tournament will be held from April 16 to 24 with the participation of the former world No.1 and current world No.5, who has won the title on eight occasions, more times than anyone else, reports Efe.

“I return this year to play in the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, which is an important tournament in the world tennis calendar for all it means in terms of tradition on the clay courts,” said Nadal, who is playing in the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

For the Spaniard, playing in Spain “is always an extra motivation” for the support he receives from the public.