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Cape Town - Madrid Open tournament director Feliciano Lopez is understandably excited about the fact that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will all be taking part this year.
Having the big three competing against each other at the same tournament has become increasingly rare at non-Grand Slam events in recent years, as the players juggle changing schedules and injury troubles.
But with Federer deciding to make a return to the red dirt and choosing the Madrid Open as his warm-up event for the French Open, and World No 1 Djokovic and five-time Madrid champion also in the draw, it's easy to see why Lopez is delighted.
"To have also Rafa and Novak - the 'Big Three' in one week is almost impossible nowadays so it's really good news," he said.
He added: "I was not involved in his (Federer's) decision about coming to Madrid. That was his personal decision with his team as well.
"We are very lucky he decided to be back on the clay and be back in Madrid. I think he’s been away from this clay season two or three years and we feel very proud to have him here first of all.
"It's an honour for the tournament to have Roger back, as you can imagine. He decided to play the French Open again this year so he might have thought he needed another extra week on clay and I think he felt Madrid is the right choice for him, no?
"He played great here in the past, he had some great memories from Madrid. The conditions here are good for his tennis, that’s another reason. We are very happy to have him here."
The Madrid Open main draw starts on Monday.
