Rafael Nadal had to come through an arduous five-setter against American qualifier Tim Smyczek to survive the Australian Open second round.

The Spanish world number three looked to have been struggling physically at times, having only had surgery to remove his appendix two months ago.

But third seed Nadal, who has never lost to a qualifier in a Grand Slam event, came good in the decider to see off the world number 112 on a 6-2, 3-6, 6-7, (7-2), 6-3, 7-5 scoreline at Melbourne Park. 

#Nadal: "It was a very tough night for me. I tried to be with my best attitude & the fantastic crowd helped me" pic.twitter.com/odywDPpeCm

— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2015