Nadal struggles through in five-set win over Isner

Champion Rafael Nadal was forced to pull out all the stops as he battled back to beat John Isner 6-4 6-7 6-7 6-2 6-4 in the French Open first round today, his first five-set match at Roland Garros.

Champion Rafael Nadal was forced to pull out all the stops as he battled back to beat John Isner 6-4 6-7 6-7 6-2 6-4 in the French Open first round on Tuesday, his first five-set match at Roland Garros.

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The Spanish world number one is gunning for his sixth title in seven years but struggled to cope with the giant American, made famous by his 11-hour epic match against Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon last year.

Isner almost went down in the record books again for a feat just as amazing having dominated the two tiebreaks but Nadal found another gear to pull away and quieten a restless crowd who had sensed a massive shock.

Nadal next meets compatriot Pablo Andujar.