Paris 2024: Rafael Nadal sets up blockbuster Novak Djokovic showdown

Spain's Rafa Nadal made a triumphant return to Roland Garros on Sunday to blast his way into the second round of the Olympic tennis tournament and set up a blockbuster clash with nemesis Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

That the Nadal-Djokovic clash will not determine gold was the only slip in the Olympic script as the Spaniard found a second wind on a Roland Garros stage on which he has built his legend to beat Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 6-1 4-6 6-4.

As Nadal fired a forehand winner on his third match point, the crowd roared and stood as one to hail the Spaniard who has thrilled them for two decades.

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

In the women's draw, Chinese sixth seed Qinwen Zheng made a mockery of former French Open runner-up Sara Errani’s clay credentials, pummelling the Italian 6-0 6-0 to advance.

Greece's Maria Sakkari also wasted no time dispatching Danka Kovinic, hammering the Montenegrin 6-0 6-1.

US flagbearer Coco Gauff will light up the evening session on Sunday when she takes on Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, while reigning Olympic champion Alexander Zverev of Germany closes Day Two's play against Spaniard Jaume Munar.

But the day belonged to Nadal as the 2008 Olympic champion kept alive dreams of a golden sunset to his glorious career.