Rafael Nadal gets a boost from five-set win

Rafael Nadal says his five-set win against Alexander Zverev has given him a huge boost of confidence for the rest of the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal is chasing his 15th grand slam title

Nadal, pictured, defied doubts about both his fitness and form during a pulsating four-hour contest in the Rod Laver Arena, at the end of which he had beaten the talented Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2.

The Spaniard will now continue his pursuit of a 15th grand slam title against France’s sixth seed Gael Monfils.

When the final point was won, Nadal thrashed his arms in delight as the 30-year-old moved into the last 16 of a grand slam for only the second time in six attempts.

More than just his progress, however, this victory could do wonders for self-belief given Nadal, back from another injury lay-off, had lost his last three five-setters at major tournaments.

“For the confidence, for a lot of things, it is very important to win these kind of matches,” Nadal said.

“I worked a lot during all December to have the chances to compete well in these kind of moments. Even if I start the match with some nerves, I think I was able to came back well.”

Zverev showed why he is considered a multiple grand slam winner of the future but the 19-year-old looked to be struggling with cramp at the end, as Nadal twice came from a set down to go through.

Asked how he won, Nadal said: “By fighting. And by running a lot. I think everybody knows how good Alexander now is.”

Zverev came into the match having won four out of his last five meetings against top-10 players, although he is yet to do so at a grand slam.

The world No 24, however, pushed Nadal all the way in Melbourne and believes he is closing in on the elite. “I am close. I kind of showed it a few times last year, and this now,” Zverev said. “There’s a lot of positives in this match.

“I think he’s probably one of the fittest tennis players in the history of the game. I could have won. It’s disappointing.”

Elsewhere, Dominic Thiem booked his place in the fourth round by beating Frenchman Benoit Paire while Monfils overcame Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets.