Nadal wins tough 5-set 2nd-round match at Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - Rafael Nadal persevered through stomach cramps to fend off American qualifier Tim Smyczek 6-2, 3-6, 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-5 in a second-round match Wednesday at the Australian Open.
Nadal came into the tournament having played in only four tournaments since Wimbledon due to a right wrist injury and appendix surgery.
At the end of the third game of the third set, Nadal called for medical assistance and was given medication for stomach pain.
Serving for the third set at 5-4, Nadal had a double-fault on break point. Smyczek clinched the tiebreaker and the third set with an ace.
Nadal broke Smyczek's service in the 11th game of the fifth set, then held serve to clinch it on his fourth match point in 4 hours, 12 minutes.
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.