Nadal continues majestic return to Roland Garros at Olympics for Spain

Rafael Nadal continued his triumphant return to Roland Garros on Sunday, as the Spaniard blasted his way into the second round of the Olympic men's tennis competition, and set up a blockbuster clash with longtime nemesis Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

The fact that the Nadal-Djokovic clash on Monday will not determine gold was the only slip in the Olympic script, as the man from Spain found a second wind on the Roland Garros stage on which he has built his legend, to beat Marton Fucsovics 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.

Later on a hectic second day of action, another member of the former "Big Four" prolonged his career for at least another match, as Andy Murray partnered with British compatriot Dan Evans to claim an incredible first-round doubles win against Japan's Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel, saving five match points in the process.

Defending men's singles champion Alexander Zverev rounded off the action with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Spain's Jaume Munar.

The 38-year-old Nadal played a starring role in the Opening Ceremony in Paris on Friday, and less than a day later grabbed the spotlight again, teaming with younger countryman Carlos Alcaraz to win their opening doubles match.

While the so-called "Nadalcaraz" dream team has generated lots of excitement, Nadal showed he remains a formidable force without a young sidekick. As he fired a forehand winner on his third match point against Hungary's Fucsovics, the crowd roared and stood as one to hail the Mallorca native who has thrilled them for two decades.

For sure there have been better performances from Nadal on that court, but few more warmly welcomed.

"I really feel very loved from the French crowd. I enjoy the fact that I am able to keep playing at this age and have these unforgettable feelings on court, feeling the support and the love of the people," he said.

"Let's see, tomorrow another story, another kind of opponent," he added. "Let's see, it's a special place, I'm just going to try to give my best and enjoy as much as possible."