Rafael Nadal has progressed through to the fourth round of the Australian Open with a five-set victory over Alexander Zverev.
2009 champ, who won 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, said:
[How did I get through that?] Fighting, I think. He’s the future of our sport, and the present too, no? He was trying to push me back and I was not feeling very well because I was losing too much court and he took advantage from inside. I said forget about the result and just fight for every point. (Australian Open)
[When Zverev had cramp] I tried to focus on myself, and it’s not an ideal finish for him but I see that he suffered in two games but then started to move better. Sometimes when you get cramps, it’s because of nerves but you can still play. I needed to stay focused and to get the second break I had to play some great points.
You can’t hope to have an easy fourth round opponent, but I’m very happy to be through and it’s exciting to play either Philipp [Kohlschreiber[ or Gael [Monfils].
I’ve lost the last few five set matches, but today I said ‘today’s the day’ and with this fantastic crowd everything is less difficult. Thank you very much. (via Telegraph)
Rafa goes on to face France’s Gael Monfils or Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in the last 16.
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain arranges his bottle of water in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal hits a return against Russia’s Alexander Zverev during their men’s singles third round match on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2017. / AFP / SAEED KHAN / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal loses his balance as he runs for a return against Russia’s Alexander Zverev during their men’s singles third round match on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2017. / AFP / SAEED KHAN / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal hits a return against Russia’s Alexander Zverev during their men’s singles third round match on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2017. / AFP / SAEED KHAN / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain towels down in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal hits a return against Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their men’s singles third round match on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2017. / AFP / PETER PARKS / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain takes a drink in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning the fourth set in his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain is congratulated by Alexander Zverev of Germany after their third round match on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Xisca Perello, girlfriend of Rafael Nadal of Spain watches him play his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Xisca Perello, girlfriend of Rafael Nadal of Spain watches him play his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his third round match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day six of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Xisca Perello, girlfriend of Spain’s Rafael Nadal, uses a smartphone during his men’s singles third round match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 21, 2017. / AFP / PETER PARKS / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Jan. 20, 2017 – Source: AFP)
VAMOS,COME ON, IDEMO RAPHA YOU CAN GET THE 15TH.JUST STAY FOCUSEDANDBE HEALTHY ALL THE TIME. DIONYSIOS KYRMIZAKIS,MD,DDS,PHD
Seeing Nadal in sets 4 and 5, handling this future GS winner Zverev, with a set of skills that is not as powerful as it was before, reminds me that in fact “vintage nadal” was better than Fed and Djoko ever were. It’s just that Vintage Nadal was not around that long and never that long injury free. 2008 Nadal would have handled Zverev in 3.
Rafa needed a tough match like this where he had to stay focused and fight for every point . As he said in interview this kind of match is good for his confidence.There were moments when it looked as though it could be all over for him – eg, losing the tie breaker in the third set and Zverev was then winning 2 games to 1 but Rafa just kept his nerve and never stopped fighting. He looked and seemed more like the Rafa of old , the rafa who could turn matches around at the most vital moments. This was what I feel was lacking in the last few years.
Some new impetus from Carlos Moya or just a change of attitude from Rafa himself?
Whatever it was, it worked. I only hope Rafa can sustain it in the matches to follow. He sounded very upbeat in the post match interview while at the same time being realistic about the high standards of his future competitors.
What a day, what a win.
Completly done. I’ve been a bad fan recently. I was doubting and not at all expecting him to win this match. Now this one made me tearful. It’s been ages since he won a match like this. Pure relief! Master.
well what to say, he could have finished it in four, but still he didnt loose his confidence through out the match, which augurs well for him, hope he plays well and reaches final.
YES! You did it again Rafa 🎾💪🏼😄
Amazing game. Congratulations and all the best of luck for the next round 😘🍀😊
VAMOS CHAMP! 💖
The attitude was good. But Rafa is nowhere near his best, credits to him for pulling out the win nonetheless. Monfils plus Raonic? I am afraid thatbis too much to ask of him right now. Rooting for a miracle run to a legendary 2nd career grand slam!
@Jason He just won an incredible tough match against an opponent many expected him to lose against – stop being so negative and cut him some slack.
I have watched Rafa for 13 years. Rarely have I seen him so consistent, even in losing a point!
You teach us all to keep going and have some faith in ourselves. .
Fabulous match. My family thought they had lost me.
Thank you Rafa.
Rafael was in the Zone and played so aggressively and intelligently against a
superb opponent. So proud and so happy to find his niche once more. A privilege to witness-this is why we are tennis fans!👊👊👏👏💪💪😘😘❤️❤️👑👑👑
So happy for Rafa! Rafa had a slow start but than he was the better player. In the third set he made some mistakes in the tie-break and than he played fantastic tennis in the last two sets. Take rest and all the best for the next round. You can do it! Vamos Rafa!!!
Agree with your comments. It is frustrating how often Rafa starts with a break, but he fought all match. I thought that if the match went five, Rafa would win due to better fitness. Sascha has become my second favorite, but no one can top Rafa.
unbelievable stuff….. well done champ
Vamos Raphael! We never waiver in our belief in you!
What a match wow! well done our Champ…. Vamos Rafa!