(CNN)The Australian Open curse looked like it was going to strike Rafael Nadal again. But this time he managed to get through it. Maria Sharapova survived a scare, too, while Roger Federer might have been stung by a bee on an eventful third day at the year's opening major. Hampered by knee, hamstring and back injuries in past losses in Melbourne, 14-time grand slam winner Nadal felt dizzy and was close to exiting in the second round against American qualifier Tim Smyczek. But Nadal showed his champion's heart to rally past his 112th-ranked foe 6-2 3-6 6-7 (2) 6-3 7-5 in more than four hours.
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Rafael Nadal rallies to beat Tim Smyczek at the Australian Open
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Maria Sharapova saves two match points in Melbourne
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The Russian defeats compatriot Alexandra Panova 7-5 in third
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Roger Federer drops a set but sees off Simone Bolelli
Nadal's shots lacking depth from the baseline and with no punch on his serve, @placeholder grew in confidence.
@placeholder lost a set and was visited by the trainer, too, although he wasn't troubled nearly as much as Sharapova and Nadal.