Australian Open: Rafael Nadal hails opponent Tim Smyczek after five-set thriller

New Delhi: After getting the better of American qualifier Tim Smyczek in a five-set thriller, Rafael Nadal on Wednesday praised his opponent.

The Spaniard congratulated Tim. “I first want to congratulate Tim because he`s a gentleman for what he did in the last game. Not many people would have done what he did at 6-5 in the fifth set after four hours," Nadal said in the post match on-court interview.

The high intensity match, which lasted little over four hours, saw Nadal suffering from some cramps. In between the third set he called for the trainer and doctor.

However, the world number three eventually sealed the match 6-2, 3-6, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 7-5.

“It was a very tough night for me. In last seven month I have played few matches. Today the conditions were a bit humid. I felt really tired after the first set. But I tried to be with my best attitude. A fantastic crowd helped a lot, so thanks to them as well,” said the 28-year-old.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner will play his next match with unseeded Israeli Dudi Sela in the third round.