David Ferrer came out on top in a pulsating five-set match with Ryan Sweeting in Melbourne.

American Sweeting secured the opening set after a tie-break, before Ferrer broke twice in the second to take the set 6-2 and draw the match level at 1-1.

Sweeting refused to be disheartened, however, displaying some fine ability from the baseline as he took the third set 6-3, much to the delight of the watching crowd.

Spaniard Ferrer hit back once more to take the fourth 6-2 to set up an explosive finale.

Sweeting tired late in the third, as Ferrer seemed to get stronger, and the number five seed ended the American's challenge to take the final set 6-3 and secure the victory.