Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Tim Smyczek of the U.S. during their men's singles second round match at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

MELBOURNE, Australia - Rafael Nadal persevered through stomach cramps to fend off American qualifier Tim Smyczek 6-2, 3-6, 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-5 in a second-round match Wednesday at the Australian Open.

Nadal came into the tournament having played in only four tournaments since Wimbledon due to a right wrist injury and appendix surgery.

At the end of the third game of the third set, Nadal called for medical assistance and was given medication for stomach pain.

Serving for the third set at 5-4, Nadal had a double-fault on break point. Smyczek clinched the tiebreaker and the third set with an ace.

Nadal broke Smyczek's service in the 11th game of the fifth set, then held serve to clinch it on his fourth match point in 4 hours, 12 minutes.