Rafael Nadal is getting older, but at 30 years of age, he has definitely not lost his drive yet. The Spanish legend had to recover from a 1-2 set deficit against Sascha Zverev in the 3rd round in Melbourne to win 4-6 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-2.

Rafa was extremely good in making Zverev feeling his presence for the entire match. This helped the Mallorcan in grabbing a good one break lead early in both the fourth and fifth set. In the decider, the King of Clay lost dropped his serve in the 4th game to lose a 2-0 lead, but at that point, it was Zverev that couldn’t cope anymore to concede the last four games. The match ended after 4 hours and 5 minutes.

Zverev never lost his will. Just his wheels. Stamina will come. His game and work ethic should deliver some🏆🏆🏆in the near future. Impressed

— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) January 21, 2017

It was a tough match. NADAL

Rafa was extremely happy with his win as this was the second time that escaped from a rough match against Zverev after he saved a match point last year against the German in Indian Wells.

The Spaniard commented

“It was a tough match. He’s a player that has an amazing potential. He is able to produce great shots. He’s already one of the best players in the world. He can be even better. He can be fighting for the most important things. So I think he will do it.

For the confidence, for a lot of things, it is very important to win these kinds of matches. I worked a lot during all of December to have the chances to compete well in these kinds of moments. Even if I started the match with some nerves, I think I was able to come back well.

Mentally I have been very positive during the whole match. In terms of physical performance, I felt great, ready for run for every ball. In terms of level of tennis, I think I finished the match playing much better than how I started the match. That’s a very important thing.”

Next vs. Monfils

Rafa will play Gael Monfils in the next round. The head to head is 12-2 for Rafa that has annihilated Gael at the Australian Open in 2014 6-1 6-2 6-3.