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PARIS — On May 26 a new sports hero emerged: tennis’ Novak Djokovic.
It’s not because he’s currently ranked the world’s No. 2 tennis player, it’s not because he has a “beat the odds” inspirational story and it’s not because he has a flashy swagger or temper that has everyone asking what he will do next.
It’s because he’s a good dude who made a simple gesture.
Serbian Djokovic was facing Portuguese player Joao Sousa in the first-round match when the game was paused for a rain delay. Typically the players remain on the court to wait out the rain if the court won't be covered.
In the video, the players are sitting on benches while ball boys stand behind them holding a giant umbrella to keep each player dry. Djokovic speaks to the ball boy behind him and gestures for him to come sit next to him, quickly clearing off the bench to make room. It’s a particularly kind gesture, because ball boys are on their feet for hours a day during the tournament.
When the boy sits down, Djokovic companionably puts his arm around him for only an instant before he takes the umbrella from the boy and hands the boy his racket.
The crowd absolutely eats it up with awws and cheers, and Djokovic encourages them to cheer for the obviously nervous but delighted ball boy. (By the rules the boy is between the ages of 12 and 16.)
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A pint-sized hockey fan is about to make your day a little better with his reaction to a player's spontaneous gift.That alone is a lovely sight, but Djokovic doesn’t stop there. He hands the boy a Perrier, and the pair “clinks” bottles before they partake of their respective drinks, which elicits more cheers and laughter from the crowd.
Even the chair umpire is impressed with the series of events.
If this two-minute interaction weren't adorable enough, here’s what Djokovic told Reuters about the gesture:
"It was a nice, fun time, something unusual for the grand slams. But we waited for around 10 minutes in the pouring rain on the court, so I felt there was something I should do and make a new friend. He accepted the offer to sit down, which I didn't think he would do. He's a very spontaneous little boy, and I hope I see him at my next match."
Get Djokovic on a Wheaties box, STAT.
