Australian Open: No. 9 Rafael Nadal outlasts No. 24 Alexander Zverev in five sets

No. 9 Rafael Nadal outlasted No. 24 Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-setter in the Australian Open third round.

In a vintage performance, No. 9 Rafael Nadal outlasted No. 24 Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set, third-round Australian Open match on Saturday. 

After four hours and six minutes, Nadal, 30, emerged victorious over the 19-year-old, 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the fourth round of tournament. After failing to move past the third round in four previous Opens, Nadal has now moved on to the fourth round in two-straight. 

"Everything is less difficult now," Nadal told ESPN after the match. "It was a special night for me." 

Nadal will next face No. 6 Gael Monfils, who defeated No. 32 Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-6, 6-4.