TWO Spanish tennis aces will come face-to-face in a derby on the first day of the Open 500 held in Valencia this coming week.

Following yesterday’s draw for player order, David Ferrer and Nico Almagro will see each other in court on Monday at the brand-new Ágora stadium, which has recently been opened at Valencia’s Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and, like the remainder of the complex, designed by the unique and futuristic Santiago Calatrava.

Ferrer is eighth-favourite to win the tournament and his rival, Murcia-born Almagro, is 12th in the world.

In fact, these two players have been the victors at the last three editions of the Open in Valencia, with Almagro playing in the previous three finals but losing the last of these in 2008 to Ferrer.

Additionally, number one Andy Murray will face up to guest player Daniel Gimeno-Traver, whilst Fernando Verdasco will play Óscar Hernández; Tommy Robredo will pit his skills against Feliciano López, and Albert Montañés will be up against players from the previous phase.