Fernando is looking forward to continuing his winning ways this week in his hometown tournament of Madrid, hoping to keep improving his game, both physically and mentally.

“It’s the best start to a season of my career,” says the 26-year-old, who has claimed titles in San Jose and Barcelona this season, as well as reaching the finals in Monte Carlo and the semifinals in Rome. “I am very happy with what has been happening in these past few weeks and I hope I will continue to achieve these kind of results.

“I know that this will not always be possible, but I will do my best to be able to stay where I am for six weeks or longer and if I have the same consistency, then I will finish in my best position ever.”

Currently ranked No. 9 in the world, Fernando reached the quarterfinals in Madrid in 2009. having grown up in Madrid, he is used to playing in the high altitude and, with wins over the likes of world No. 2 Novak Djokovic and world No. 8 Andy Roddick under his belt this season, is considered a genuine contender to claim his hometown title.

“I’m more accustomed than most of them to the conditions here, because I’ve trained here and I’ve lived her all my life. In these tournaments, every match is very hard. I will start against Karlovic, who does not give you much rhythm with his serve. You have to be very focused throughout the match with his serve, because he does not give you many chances and you can not make mistakes.

“Every single match is always tough. I believe that I am playing at a good level. I have confidence, I want to take it once match at a time, but that does not mean that I am not thrilled and willing to win the tournament. With Rafa in the draw, it will be difficult, but when you lose against a player like Rafa, it’s normal. He is one of the best players in history. The strange thing is to beat him.

“I hope that one day in the future, maybe this week if we meet in the semifinals, I can beat him. No one is unbeatable, so I will try every time I play against him.”

Fernando kicks off the Madrid Masters this week against Ivo Karlovic of Croatia in the second round after receiving a first-round bye.