Rafael Nadal's doctor has said that he hopes the Spaniard will be able to play in his Australian Open third-round match tomorrow.

Nadal battled to beat Tim Smyczek in a five-set marathon yesterday, but he looked like he was suffering on court, prompting speculation over whether he would be able to play Dudi Sela.

"Yesterday's was a rather extreme situation, but I hope that he is going to recover," his doctor told reporters.

"It was a set of things: he was sick to his stomach, feeling pain, and was dizzy. He stopped drinking what he usually drinks, because he did not tolerate it well. He drank only water and not recovery fluid.

"We will have to see how he recovers, this is not the best scenario."

Nadal is a former Australian Open champion, having won the tournament in 2009.