Rafael Nadal melted hearts at the Australian Open on Thursday, rushing to console a ballgirl and kissing her on the cheek after one of his fearsome shots ricocheted off her.
The Spanish world number one was in the throes of wrapping up his second round clash on Rod Laver Arena against Argentine Federico Delbonis when the unfortunate girl found herself in his firing line. Nadal went over to check how she was and gave her a quick peck on the cheek for good measure, leaving the youngster blushing.
epa08154574 Rafael Nadal of Spain speaks to a ballgirl after she was hit by a ball during his second round match against Federico Delbonis of Argentina on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2020. EPA-EFE/SCOTT BARBOUR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
epa08154470 Rafael Nadal of Spain gives his headband to a ballgirl after she was hit by a ball during his second round match against Federico Delbonis of Argentina on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2020. EPA-EFE/SCOTT BARBOUR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
epa08154472 Rafael Nadal of Spain gives his headband to a ballgirl after she was hit by a ball during his second round match against Federico Delbonis of Argentina on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2020. EPA-EFE/SCOTT BARBOUR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
epa08154438 Rafael Nadal of Spain speaks to a ballgirl after she was hit by a ball during his second round match against Federico Delbonis of Argentina on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2020. EPA-EFE/SCOTT BARBOUR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
epa08154436 Rafael Nadal (L) of Spain speaks to a ballgirl after she was hit by a ball during his second round match against Federico Delbonis of Argentina on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2020. EPA-EFE/LUKAS COCH AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
epa08153959 Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his second round match against Federico Delbonis of Argentina on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2020. EPA-EFE/SCOTT BARBOUR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
epa08157313 A handout photo made available by Tennis Australia shows Rafael Nadal of Spain (R) meets Anita (L) the ball kid that he hit with a ball during a match at Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, 24 January 2020. Anita was positioned near the chair umpire as a ball kid when she was hit in the face by a Nadal’s returns during his his 2nd round match match against Federico Delbonis. EPA-EFE/FIONA HAMILTON/TENNIS AUSTRALIA HANDOUT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
epa08157317 A handout photo made available by Tennis Australia shows Rafael Nadal of Spain (2-R) meets Anita (C) the ball kid that he hit with a ball during a match at Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, 24 January 2020. Anita was positioned near the chair umpire as a ball kid when she was hit in the face by a Nadal’s returns during his his 2nd round match match against Federico Delbonis. EPA-EFE/FIONA HAMILTON/TENNIS AUSTRALIA HANDOUT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
#AusOpen Nadal hit a ball girl with the tennis ball accidentally. Went up to her and apologised with a kiss on her cheek 👍 Only the gentlemen know how to treat people well. Such a lovely gesture 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/LwvJ7N9E9j
“For her it was not a good moment, I was so scared for her, the ball was quick and straight on her,” Nadal said after the match, giving her his headband as a momento.
“She’s a super brave girl. It has been one of the more scary moments of my career. I’m very happy she is good. She is brave. Well done.
