Rafael Nadal has publicly commended Tim Smyczek for his amazing display of sportsmanship during their second round clash at the Australian Open.
The Spaniard, who has been struggling with injuries, battled past Smyczek with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-7 (2-7), 6-3, 7-5 win to book his spot in the third round.
But the highlight of the game came in the fifth set, where Smyczek showcased tremendous sportsmanship, sending a shockwave through social media as well.
Both players were at each other in the rubber set, considering that it was a closely contested the match and Smyczek fought hard to close a 6-5 point. However, when the score was 30-0, a spectator yelled out loudly during Nadal’s ball toss, which distracted him and caused him to serve a fault.
The American though, did not take advantage of the situation, but instead called for Nadal to replay the serve, which ultimately ended up in giving Nadal three match points.
“What he did at the end of the fifth was just amazing,” Nadal said during his on-court interview
“He’s a gentleman. Not a lot of people would do something like that.”
As far as Smyczek is concerned, he acted in that manner because he felt it was the right thing to do.
“It clearly bothered him. You know, I thought it was the right thing to do,” the 27-year-old said.
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