“Super brave girl”: Rafael Nadal's heartwarming gesture towards ball girl
Rafael Nadal’s sweet gesture towards a ball girl has moved tennis fans around the world.
The world number one player was on track to score a straight-sets win against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis on Thursday.
But on the third set of their second-round match on Rod Laver Arena, Nadal slammed a forehand that hit a young ball girl on the head by accident.
The girl gave a thumbs up to indicate she was fine, but Nadal and Delbonis went over to check on her. Nadal lifted the girl’s hat before kissing her on the cheek, drawing cheers from the audience.
😱(🎥@Eurosport_RU ) pic.twitter.com/IR5B2Z42fu
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) January 23, 2020
Nadal went on to win the match 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-1.
“For her, probably it was not a good moment,” Nadal said after the match. “I was so scared for her, honestly.
“She’s a super brave girl.”
*𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓉* ballkid moment, narrated by @RafaelNadal 📚
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/tElLurAnQ1— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020