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Rafael Nadal (L) of Spain consoles Tim Smyczek of the U.S. after their men's singles second round match at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2015. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Arguably one of the best tennis players of all time Rafael Nadal was almost knocked out by American qualifier 27-year-old Tim Smyczek in the second round of the 2015 Australian Open. Nadal fought hard in the four-hour long five0-sets second round match to defeat Smyczek 6-2 3-6 6-7(2) 6-3 7-5.

During the on-court interview, Nadal praised Smyczek’s amazing gesture when he was serving at 6-5 in the fifth set. It was when a fan yelled, which made the Spaniard lose his concentration causing him to miss long. Smyczek then motioned the umpire for the serve to be replayed despite being only two points from losing (6-5, 30-0). Nadal took another serve and won the point to secure his place in the third round.

“First of all, I want to congratulate Tim,” Nadal said during the on-court interview, “He’s really a gentleman, what he did in the last game, not a lot of people will do something like this at 6-5 in the fifth so just congratulate him for that and because he played, I think, a great match.”

Nadal, who was only playing his 10th match since Wimbledon, had to receive treatment from a doctor early on the match. He was feeling unwell and revealed in a press conference that he was feeling dizzy and tired due to the humid evening at Rod Laver Arena. However, Nadal fought back and tried his best to win.

The 112th-ranked Smyczek received a standing ovation as he exited Rod Laver Arena. Speaking to the reporters after the match, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin native said that Nadal’s extraordinary game play despite feeling sick is proof how good the Spaniard is.

“That was a C or D game, he found a way to win so hats off to him,” Smyczek said. “That’s why he’s one of the best.”

After the Australian Open, Smyczek will go back playing in minor tournaments. Though it wouldn’t be the same feeling playing in front a huge crowd in a big arena like in the grand slam events, Smyczek is fine with it. He said that his main focus is to get more points so he can move up the world rankings.

To contact the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.