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American Tim Smyczek may have lost his second-round Australian Open match but he won a swag of admirers - including his opponent Rafael Nadal.
The world No.112 was locked in a gripping five-set battle with the third seed, serving for the match, up 6-5.
With the score 30-0, a spectator yelled out loudly during Nadal's ball toss, which threw the Spaniard off and he served a fault.
But, in an admirable show of sportsmanship, Smyczek called for Nadal to replay his first serve rather than it be declared a fault.
Relief: Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his men's singles match against Tim Smyczek.Credit: AFP
The American sent his return into the net, giving Nadal three match points.
He failed to convert those but made no mistake with his fourth.
On the comeback after back, appendicitis and wrist problems, Nadal struggled after the first set with stomach cramps and dizziness.
He ground out the win 6-2 3-6 6-7 (7-2) 3-6 7-5.
Sportsmanship: Tim Smyczek.Credit: AFP
"What he did at the end of the fifth was just amazing," Nadal said.
"He's a gentleman.
Down but not out: Rafael Nadal.Credit: AFP
"Not a lot of people would do something like that."
But Smyczek played it down.
"It clearly bothered him. You know, I thought it was the right thing to do," the 27-year-old said.
Smyczek was happy with the way he played and thought at one stage he could take the 14-time grand slam champion.
"I thought I had him for a minute; when he was kind of doubled over I could see he was really hurting.
"I started to believe that I really had a chance and could get it done.
"But he turned it up to another gear. That's why he's been one of the best for years and years."
AAP