David Ferrer admits competing in the 2016 Olympic Games is a goal of his but the Spaniard insists the main aim right now is to defend his Rio Open title.
The 33-year-old won the clay court event last year after comfortably defeating Italian Fabio Fognini 6-2 6-3 in the final.
It was the second of five titles he picked up in 2015 and the Alicante-born star is hoping he can get this season up and running with another triumph in Brazil.
The South American tournament has even more significance this year as the same venue will be used for the Olympic Games that head to Rio in August.
Knowing the court and enjoying success in the past could prove crucial in mounting a charge for a gold medal and Ferrer has revealed making the team is in the back of his mind.
The veteran competed at London 2012 and was knocked out in the third round of the singles before losing in the bronze medal play-off in the doubles.
Ferrer’s initial efforts are on retaining his Rio title but the world number six is hoping he will be returning to Brazil later this year.
“I am only focusing on the tournament in Rio,” he said. “I hope I will be in the Olympic Games.”
Ferrer takes on Nicolas Jarry in his first match and the defending champion is a 1.005 favourite to win while his opponent is the big outsider at 15.00.
Nadal will also be hoping to mount a strong challenge for the title and the multiple Grand Slam winner is priced at 1.05 to get past Pablo Carreno-Busta, who is a 9.00 shot to cause a major upset.
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