Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - 21/1/17 Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts during his Men's singles third round match against Germany's Alexander Zverev. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal held off a fierce challenge from one of the hottest prospects in the game when he outlasted German teenager Alexander Zverev 4-6 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 6-2 to reach the last 16 of the Australian Open on Saturday.
The Spaniard, champion here in 2009, needed to be at his resilient best to come out on top after more than four hours of top quality shot-making and thrilling rallies which earned both players a huge ovation from the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
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