"It was a tough night, more than four hours and five sets"

Rafael Nadal attended the court side microphone after his gruelling duel with American qualifier Tim Smyczek. The world number three admitted that he was far from one hundred percent going into the match, which he won in five sets after more than four hours on Rod Laver Arena in wilting heat. Firstly, Nadal thanked Smyczek, the world number 112, for his sportsmanship in the final game of the encounter when he gave Nadal the nod to repeat a point after a shout from the crowd has distracted the Spaniard. "It was the act of a gentleman," Nadal said. "It was a tough night, more than four hours and five sets. I hadn't played much until this match and maybe that was the reason. I was very tired because I haven't competed much. But I kept up my sporting spirit thanks to the amazing crowd here in Melbourne. It was a tough match, a humid night, and I felt very tired. I was dehydrated at the end of the second set. I had cramping all over my body. I felt like that for an hour. I had to fight for every point and take my chances."

When asked what the cause of hid dizziness and nausea had been, Nadal said he wasn't sure. "I don't know exactly what it was. I felt bad sensations. It wasn't the best way to go into a game like this but these things are normal after being off the Tour for so long. I hope to get back to best level."

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1CBaU0s

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