Rafael Nadal has shown that as well as being one of the greatest tennis players of all-time, he’s also one of the sport’s great blokes.
Moments after demolishing local Richard Gasquet 6-3 6-2 6-2 in just under two hours at the French Open, the 10-time champion made a ball boy’s dream come true.
Whilst being interviewed on court after the match, Nadal was asked if he would have a hit with the boy, who has been a lifelong fan of the world No.1.
Nadal was more than happy to facilitate the request, showing he’s a class act.
MORE: French Open: Relentless Rafael Nadal pummels Richard Gasquet | Sharapova is the favourite, claims Serena
Watch Nadal hit with the ball boy below:
Why we ❤️ tennis.
— TSN Tennis (@TSNTennis) June 2, 2018
Rafa Nadal makes a ball boy's dream come true. #RG18 pic.twitter.com/Kk8cweZK7m
Nadal was never troubled in his third-round clash against Gasquet, whom he now holds a staggering 16-0 head-to-head career lead over.
The Spaniard moves on to play little-known German Maximilian Marterer in the round of 16, who is currently ranked 70th in the world.
The 31-year-old has a clear path to the final at Roland Garros, with fellow contenders Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem all on the opposite side of the draw.
But it almost feels inevitable that Nadal will lift the trophy for the second successive year and 11th time overall, even if he runs into one of those three in the decider.
The title in Paris would be Nadal’s 17th major win of his career, putting him three behind Roger Federer’s all-time high tally of 20.
Meantime, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will meet in a bumper round of 16 match after both recorded straight-sets third round victories.