It was one of the nicest things you'd ever see on a tennis court.
Midway through calmly spanking Australian Omar Jasika out of the Australian Open in straight sets last year, French giant Jo-Wilfried Tsonga noticed a ballgirl trying to hold back her sobs.
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Tsonga stops play to help ballgirl
Jo Wilfried-Tsonga has stopped play in the third set of his match against Australian, Omar Jasika, to check on the welfare of a ballgirl who was struggling on court.
The girl had been hit in the face by a ball, and was in some pain. She was clearly trying to contain herself, so as not to interrupt the match.
Tsonga spotted her straight away, and went over to check she was OK. Determining she wasn't, big Jo wrapped her arm in his and escorted her off the court, to the applause of the crowd.
That touching gesture has not been forgotten.
On Sunday night Tsonga tweeted he had received a letter from that young ballgirl – her name turned out to be Giuliana.
Thank you very much for your letter Giuliana !!! 👌🏾✨💙 #Remember #AustOpen2016 pic.twitter.com/0dBNXGUFxP
— Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (@tsonga7) January 22, 2017
"Dear Mr Jo-Wilfried Tsonga," the letter reads
"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank-you for helping me out on court during your round 2 match.
"I'm not sure if you remember me but I was the ballgirl you escorted off court.
"I would also like to take the opportunity to apologise for the times when you asked for the ball but I did not service it to you or acknowledge you.
"I had picked up a virus which I was unaware of and it caused me to become dizzy and lightheaded. This also affected my vision and hearing.
"I apologise for not being able to perform my duties as a ballkid to the high standards that are expected.
"Thank-you so much for the kindness that you showed me. I really appreciate that you were able to see that I needed some help and were kind enough to escort me off court.
"Congratulations on making it to the next round. I wish you all the best for your upcoming games and I hope you are able to make it to the very end of the Australian Open!
"Thank-you again,
"Giuliana – AO Ballkid no. 180."
Giuliana was wrong. Jo certainly did remember her.
The Frenchman knocked out insurgent Brit Dan Evans on Sunday night, reaching the last eight at Melbourne Park for the first time in four years with his 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-4 6-4 win over two hours and 53 minutes.
Tsonga will now face new Open favourite Stan Wawrinka in the Quarter Finals.
- With AAP