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World No.3 Rafael Nadal has survived a five-set scare against unheralded American Tim Smyczek in their second round Australian Open clash.
Nadal came into the match underdone after back, appendicitis and wrist problems but it was stomach problems that appeared to hamper his play.
The 14-time grand slam champion clawed his way to a 6-2 3-6 6-7 (7-2) 3-6 7-5 win over the world No.112.
The 28-year-old started well enough but uncharacteristic errors soon piled up as the third seed struggled.
In the third set Nadal called for the trainer and complained of dizziness.
He was bent over following rallies and pointed to his stomach, shaking his head at his entourage.
But Nadal showed grit to battle on against Smyczek, whose previous biggest win came against then world No.19 Jurgen Melzer back in 2012.
The 27-year-old American played beyond his ranking, sending down 64 winners to Nadal’s 43.
The pair went toe to toe in the final set before Nadal broke his opponent to lead 6-5 before claiming the win on his fourth match point.
Nadal faces Israeli Dudi Sela in the third round.
The Spaniard, who was runner-up last year, described it as a “tough night”.
“I felt very tired after the first set,” he said.
“I had cramps around the body. I’m not in perfect shape.”
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