"I am very motivated to return to Rio. I was the champion this year and the title meant a lot to me," said Ferrer, currently ranked number eight in the ATP ranking, according to an official statement.
The Spaniard also highlighted his desire to return to the city for personal reasons. "Last year I had a very special experience, which was parading in the Carnival of Rio, something I will never forget. I adore Brazilian fans," he said.
With Ferrer, who defeated Italian Fabio Fonnini in the final, there are three players among the top ten in the world who have confirmed their presence in the next edition of the only ATP 500 level competition in South America.
The others are Rafael Nadal, ranked sixth in the world and champion of the 2014 first edition of the Open, and Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, ranked tenth.
"It is very special for the tournament to have its champion return. Ferrer is an example of determination and overcoming on the court, and fans will be able to see him up close for the third year," said Luiz Procopio Carvalho, director of the Rio Open.
Ferrer considers his participation in the Rio tournament important for his season. "It is important for my schedule to play a big tournament on clay at the beginning of the season," he explained.
Of the thirteen cities that make up the ATP 500 circuit, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, and Hamburg play the tournament on clay.
In 2015, 55,000 people attended the 92 matches played in eight days by 110 players from 19 countries. The tournament will distribute nearly $1.5 million in prizes in 2016.