French Open 2012: Rafael Nadal Will Continue Rolling to Roland Garros Title

Rafael Nadal is a train.

Trains don’t stop moving unless they put on the breaks. Rafa isn’t putting on the breaks, though. And after regaining his confidence, no stop is in sight.

It isn’t the least bit surprising that the King of Clay has been the most dominant competitor in the 2012 French Open. In the first round, he breezed through Simone Bolelli in three sets by the scores of 6-2, 6-2 and 6-1. In the second, Rafa was even less merciful, mowing down Denis Istomin in three sets 6-2, 6-2 and 6-0.

Eduardo Schwank is terrified. Or at least he should be. The train that is Nadal is coming for him.

Rafa is arguably the greatest clay tennis players of all time. He has won six out of the last seven French Opens, for crying out loud. The only player who’s more dominant on clay than Nadal is a confident Nadal.

Julien Pretot of Stuff reported that the All-World tennis superstar has officially regained the confidence that escaped him last season. After his second triumph of this year’s tournament, Nadal said in the post-match press conference:

"

I have improved during the third set. This is when I had the upper hand. I played my best tennis. I made almost no mistakes. It was a dream type of third set. In general, I feel really good…I was saying that during practice and during the tournament my attitude is slightly more positive, and it's less difficult. Whereas last year, due to my attitude, which was less positive, it was more difficult for me. The rallies were longer, and I was not at home and I felt it was a bit long.

"

From defeating Novak Djokovic twice on clay before the French Open to his pair of convincing victories at Roland Garros, Nadal has built up so much momentum that right now, only Djokovic and Roger Federer are even capable of competing with him. Everyone else is child’s play.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels