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Nadal's nice moment with Aus Open ballgirl

Rafael Nadal has made a ballgirl's day after nearly wiping her out with a massive backhand.

Deep in the third set of his straight-sets victory over Leonardo Mayer on Wednesday, the World No.1 was attempting to return a wide serve when he accidentally smashed it straight at the young girl.

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Luckily she showed some great reflexes to duck out of the way as the ball thudded into the umpire's chair directly behind where her head had been.

Rafa almost wipes out the girl. Image: Channel 7
Rafa almost wipes out the girl. Image: Channel 7

The crowd gasped at the scary near-miss, but the girl broke out into a massive smile.

Nadal himself couldn't help but smile as he walked up to the ballgirl to check on her, making sure she was alright.

Her friend also made sure she was ok. Image: Channel 7
Her friend also made sure she was ok. Image: Channel 7

The youngster's smile got even bigger after the nice moment with Nadal, as the crowd showed their appreciation for Rafa's kindness.

It wasn't the only time the umpire's chair came under fire in the match, with Mayer also spraying a wayward shot straight at the main official.

While not quite to the same extent, Nadal's moment with the ballgirl immediately sparked memories of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's gentlemanly gesture at the 2016 Australian Open.

The Frenchman noticed the young girl crying and in some distress, helping her across the court to a seat and calling for medical help.

The 2009 champion looked untroubled on Wednesday by his recent knee issues, claiming a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory in two hours and 38 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

Nadal will face Bosnian No.28 seed Damir Dzumhur in Friday's third round.

with AAP