2020 Australian Open Day 5: Rafael Nadal drills ball girl in head in scary moment during win
This post will be updated with action from Day 5 of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Rafael Nadal made it through the second round of the Australian Open on Thursday with little issue, beating Federico Delbonis 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena, but had to survive a terrifying moment on the court to do so.
Nadal, up 4-1 in the final set, returned a forehand shot that went directly at a ball girl sitting underneath the umpire’s chair, hitting her directly in the head.
The girl was fine and gave a quick thumbs up, but both Nadal and Delbonis rushed over to her to make sure she wasn’t hurt. Nadal then lifted up her hat and gave her a kiss on the cheek before handing her his headband.
“For her, probably it was not a good moment,” Nadal said. “I was so scared for her, honestly. The ball was quick, and straight on the head. She’s a super brave girl.
“I’m very happy that you are good,” he added, talking directly to the girl. “You are very brave.”
ICYMI A moment *that* ball kid will never forget..
And nor will @RafaelNadal #AusOpen I #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/pnOiQUWxOc— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020
Nadal quickly wrapped up the match after that, needing only seven more points to put the Argentinian away.
The world No. 1 is now set to take on fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round. Busta, No. 27, beat Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk in the second round 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4.
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