The Relentless Rafael Nadal - The Spaniard's top 5-set matches

Rafael Nadal, arguably the most tenacious player on the ATP tour, has given us some unbelievable tennis action over the years. The ‘King of Clay is admired for his endurance, perseverance and determination on and off the court. Rafa ended the year 2013 as World No.1 despite the fact that he was recovering from a career-threatening knee injury. An athlete having suffered tendinitis in both his knees would barely think about playing again, but this industrious servant of the game has done it with his own verve. Here are my top 5  five-setters featuring Nadal that were an absolute treat to watch.

5. Australian Open final 2012 vs Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic (R) and Rafael Nadal both exhausted after their marathon Australian Open final in 2012

Yes, Rafa lost this one to Nole, but for tennis lovers it was an absolute treat to watch. Nadal called it the toughest loss of his career, but the best match he ever played. Djokovic said it was the finest win of his career and also commented on the high level of tennis played. This match holds the record for being the longest ever Grand Slam final ever. The 5 hour 53 minute marathon battle tested the ultimate endurance limits of both players. Both fought to the very last, but unfortunately there could only be one winner. Djokovic defeated Nadal  5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7 (5–7), 7–5 to win the match by a whisker. The only reason I put this on number 5 is because Nadal ended up on the losing side.