Rafael Nadal Pauses Game To Kiss Ball Girl After Hitting The Ball In Her Face

Recently, a French Tennis player in the Australian Open was reprimanded by an umpire for asking the ball girl to peel a banana for him. The player was called out for his insensitivity and rude behavior.

On the other hand, star player Rafael Nadal has set an example by being humble and apologetic to a ball girl who he had accidentally hurt during the game.

View this post on Instagram

Thanks to all my fellow players for giving me the Stefan Edberg’s Sportsmanship award! Very honored and happy! @atptour 🙏 Received it today after my match. Gracias!!! 😊

A post shared by Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal) on Jan 8, 2020 at 1:03am PST

While taking the forehand shot, the ball went straight to the girl who had just stepped out of the umpire’s chair and hit her in the head.

Rafael Nadal apologizes to ball-girl in AU-Open. pic.twitter.com/Sbt5UeHcYu

— İrfan Özbek (@irfanozbek) January 23, 2020

The 19 time Grand Slam winner immediately approached her to make sure she was fine and kissed her on her cheek, reports News 18.

His kind act went viral on social media within no time. People started praising Rafael for his thoughtful effort towards the ball girl.

What a very sweet thing to do. That must of hurt. She did a good job holding it together.

— Cookie (@rsonia0914) January 23, 2020

Nadal hits a ball girl and kisses her owwwwwww pic.twitter.com/OlvZyeCLOx

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 23, 2020

https://twitter.com/TheRealBozza1/status/1220321493046808579?s=20

Wow. Rafa Nadal smacks a forehand into the face of a ball kid. He rushes to her, makes sure she is alright and gives her a peck on the cheek! The kid's cheeks are flush pink; and gets a huge cheer when she is in action next point. Lovely moment. #AusOpen

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) January 23, 2020

When you get a kiss and a headband from @RafaelNadal …😍🥰 #ballgirl #cute #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/pFrPp5J3rM

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) January 23, 2020

Rafael Nadal hits a ball girl and kisses her immediately owwwwwww ❤❤❤ https://t.co/bhmJn2heSg pic.twitter.com/fi8SnVbT3j

— Mehedi Hasan Shawon (@SportsBoyShawn) January 23, 2020

Later on, after defeating Argentina’s Federico Delbonis by 6-3 7-6 (7/4) 6-1, Rafael spoke about the incident. “I was so scared for her, honestly. The ball was quick and straight on the head. She’s a very brave girl,” he said.

Daily Mail reports that Rafael also apologized to the ball girl after the match. “For her probably was not a good moment. I was so scared of her honestly. The ball was quick and straight onto her. She is a super brave girl,” he said.

*𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓉* ballkid moment, narrated by @RafaelNadal 📚

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/tElLurAnQ1

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020

“It was honestly one of the scariest moments I have on the tennis court and I have a scary memory from Wimbledon many years ago,” he added.

He also shared a picture of himself with the ball girl, Anita and wrote that he is happy she’s doing well. Rafael also told his fans that he met her family after the match.

View this post on Instagram

Very happy to see that Anita is doing well 😘😊🙏🎾 I also had the chance to meet her, her brother Mark and parents. Thank you

A post shared by Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal) on Jan 23, 2020 at 7:36pm PST

Rafael is a true gentleman! What are your thoughts about the incident? Tell us!