Checking in with our defending champion

Spaniard David Ferrer is known as one of the ATP Tour's warriors and after winning his second Heineken Open title in 2011, Ferrer's good play continued. At the Australian Open, he caused a splash by taking out then #1 Rafael Nadal to make the semifinals, which he lost in a tight four-set match to Scotland's Andy Murray.

Since his great run Down Under, Ferrer has had a strong 2011 season and is currently ranked at a career high #5 in the world. He made the fourth round or better at all four Grand Slams, and amassed a stellar 22-6 record on the clay courts.

Ferrer has qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals, which will be played in London at the 02 Arena from 20-27 November.