Rafael Nadal played qualifier Tim Smyczek in the second round of the Australian Open 2015 on Wednesday night.
Conditions were tough inside Rod Laver Arena due to the humidity and the heat of the day being trapped inside the arena, despite cooler conditions outside.
It was a tough match to watch, with Rafa battling on through stomach cramps and dizziness to ultimately win in five sets; 6-2 3-6 6-7 (7-2) 3-6 7-5.
Tim played a great match and showed excellent sportsmanship in allowing Rafa to replay a point, which was disrupted by a doofus yelling out from the crowd, during the game when Rafa was serving for the match.
Once again Rafa showed what a true champion he is, never giving up and fighting for every point. And well played Tim.
Read the Australian Open article Nadal lives to fight another day.
Thanks to Grand Slam Tennis Tours for amazing seats, and to Andrew for taking the photos while I was Rafa-stressing.
Let the pictures tell the story.
Warning for emotional Rafa fans, I found looking at some of these photos as tough as watching the match.
Gets the ice neck and speaks to the trainer and doctor
Toni on his feet watching
Struggling to continue…
…but still finding a way to fight for every point
After hitting the final winning point
Rafa congratulates Tim on the match and confirms that it was a “very tough night for me”
Until next time
Grand Slam Gal
I knew you could do it, keep up the good work.