Nadal overcomes young gun in Australian Open epic

Rafael Nadal has staged an incredible comeback after teen sensation Alexander Zverev looked odds-on to send the World No.9 packing.

The ninth-seeded Nadal came from two sets to one down to win 4-6 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-2 in an epic third-round encounter which lasted four hours and six minutes on Saturday.

Nadal said the key to the win was "fighting and running a lot".

Nadal. Image: Getty

"Everybody knows how good Alexander is - he's the future of our sport and the present too," said the 30-year-old Nadal.

"It was a very tough match for me."

19-year-old Zverev looked distraught late in the match as his body started to break down.

The 24th-seeded German cramped up midway through the final set and Nadal seized the opportunity, claiming a crucial break of serve in the fifth game.

"It's not the ideal finish for him and I know he suffered a lot in two games," said Nadal.

Zverev. Image: Getty

"I needed to be focused - and to get the second break, I had to play some great points."

Zverev had butchered a match point before losing his only previous encounter against Nadal last year at Indian Wells.

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