Melbourne: Spanish world number three Rafael Nadal survived a massive scare before winning a gruelling five-setter with American qualifier Tim Smyczek at the Australian Open on Wednesday.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion prevailed 6-2, 3-6, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 7-5 in 4hr 12min and will now play unseeded Israeli Dudi Sela in the third round. Nadal looked to be suffering from stomach cramps during the match and called for the trainer and doctor early in the third set. He took a tablet and continued on but at one changeover motioned to his player box that he was experiencing a stomach ailment. He was physically ill on the court.