Nick Kyrgios has been lambasted for somewhat ordinary behaviour in the past, but he would have won more than a few fans over with his actions overnight.
One of Kyrgios' searing serves - all 217km/h of it - left a ball girl in agony after the ace struck her on the arm, with the ball girl bursting into tears.
Kyrgios' opponent, Uzbekistani Denis Istomin, was quick to place his arm around her shoulders while Kyrgios hurried across the court to apologise.
"Originally when I heard the sound, I thought it hit the scoreboard," Kyrgios said.
"Then I realised it was her arm. It was tough. She started crying. It was tough. She took it like a champ, though. I would have been crying, for sure."
MORE | Wimbledon 2018: Aussie players through to the second round | Wimbledon 2018: Is Nick Kyrgios mentally tough enough to take out the title?
Not always smooth sailing ⛵️ Let’s keep it rolling 🎾🔥🌱🐾⚡️🙌🏽🦁🍿😴 #SW19
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 3, 2018
Match officials helped the crying girl from the court to receive medical attention.
Despite striking the ball girl, the thundering ace contributed to Kyrgios achieving a new career high ace tally of 42 serves.
The Aussie went on to defeat Istomin in a four set thriller, winning the match 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-3.
If you can serve like @NickKyrgios, you've got a chance on grass 🚀#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/7jg3ZckxFt
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2018
Little more than a week ago Kyrgios was slammed with a £13,190 ($17,500) fine for simulating a sex act but, as with all things Kyrgios, the world number 15 was also entertaining in his first Wimbledon appearance for 2018, seen dishing out some mid-court banter with his opposition.
"Bro, how did you make that? Oh my god, that is hilarious." 😂
— #7TENNIS 🎾 (@7tennis) July 3, 2018
🇦🇺@NickKyrgios with some mid-match banter. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/LxUtDOsIde
Kyrgios is scheduled to play his second round match against Robin Haase on Thursday, July 5.