Rafael Nadal recovers to advancein Melbourne

TENNIS: Rafael Nadal hailed an "amazing" act of sportsmanship from his opponent after overcoming nausea and dizziness to avoid a shock defeat in the second round of the Australian Open.

Nadal admitted he thought about pulling out of his match with American qualifier Tim Smyczek yesterday after coming close to throwing up on court as he failed to serve out the third set at 5-4.

But despite losing that set in a tie-break, the 14-time grand slam winner dug deep into his reserves of skill and stamina to win the next and then eventually break Smyczek’s serve in the decider to lead 6-5.