Rafael Nadal accidentally hits ball girl, plants kiss to apologise

Spain's Rafael Nadal speaks with a ball kid who was hit by the ball during the men's singles match against Argentina's Federico Delbonis on day four of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. Pic/AFP

Melbourne: Rafael Nadal eased past Argentine Federico Delbonis 6-3, 7-6, 6-1 to progress into the third round of the Australian Open, but it was his gesture after he accidentally struck a ball girl during his second round match that won hearts here on Thursday.

World No.1 Nadal's return hit a ball girl by accident during the course of his match. The girl was standing near the chair umpire and seemed wonder-struck when the iconic Spaniard walked up to her to check and then planted a kiss on her cheek to cheer her up. Delbonis also walked up to the girl who was overawed by the reaction of the two.

"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 end of the match. "I'm very happy she is good. She is brave. Well done."

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