The Spaniard will kick off his campaign on Thursday against the winner of today?s match between Sebastian Korda and Jaume Munar.

Roberto Bau has been one of the most emblematic faces at the new Gijón Open ATP 250 ever since the announcement in July that the tournament would take place. The player from the coastal city of Castellón, located between Barcelona and Valencia, is the number three seed and will play his first match on Thursday against the winner of today’s match between the American Sebastian Korda and Jaume Munar from Mallorca.

“As Spanish players we appreciate the efforts the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) and the Gijón City Council have made. We like that they support tennis, and for us to play at home always gives us extra motivation and energy. All of this helps us perform even better," explained Bautista in his first press conference at the tournament.

The current world number 21 and Davis Cup champion, has heaped praise on the organizers of the tournament: “it’s a small tournament, but nevertheless it has been put together with a lot of love and affection. The center court looks fantastic. I was able to train this morning and the truth is that everything here is very easy for the players.”

 Asked about his aspirations for the tournament, he responded: ”my goals are always to get to the last round. All the players here are of a high level and I know that each match and each round will be difficult. However I feel good, so let’s see if I can play a good match and start the tournament well.”

Photo: Gijón Open