Rafael Nadal on Collision Course with the Next Generation at 2016 French Open

Rafael Nadal flashed his vintage form in the first two rounds of the 2016 French Open. He dished out three breadsticks to Sam Groth and a bagel to Facundo Bagnis in winning 36 of 45 total games. He could have opened up a Parisian bakery.

So far, so good for the Spanish superstar heading into his third-rounder against hard-serving Marcel Granollers. One more match win and then a clash against the future.

If Nadal does reach the fourth round, he will battle against either rising Austrian clay-court star Dominic Thiem or German phenom Alexander Zverev. Past vs. future. Experience vs. energy. Whatever the billing, it will be a blockbuster attraction.

Can the aging legend hold off the next generation of potential stars?

Return of the King

“…I’m playing a little bit better than last year…” – Nadal dropping truth bombs. More: https://t.co/OS4il8LNj7 pic.twitter.com/SaaJAivdhM

— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) May 26, 2016

Nadal’s mortal struggles in 2015 have rematerialized into redemption for 2016. He’s not the Nadal of 2008, 2010 or 2013 when his legs were tireless and his forehand overwhelming, but like 2014 he has a fighting chance to upend the field for a 10th French Open title.

All of his training and hopes for one more major conquest have come down to the waning days of French Open 2016. This is everything for the king of clay.

There would be less confidence and belief now had Nadal not bounced back from rocky performances in February and March. He was swatted on Argentine clay by Thiem’s powerful stokes.

At Indian Wells, Zverev only needed to put Nadal away with a simple volley at match point. He dropped it into the net while perhaps lifting the Spaniard’s hopes. It was just one point, a butterfly flapping its wings in southern …

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