The phrase "new balls, please" has a new meaning for one unlucky ball boy at the Australian Open.
During a second-round match between Feliciano Lopez and Adrian Mannarino, one of the former's 196km/h serves hit a ball boy right below the belt.
No. 12 seed Lopez instantly asked the boy whether he was okay and looked visibly upset by the incident. The boy - who still fetched the offending ball - can be seen in evident pain as both players come to check on him.
(Australian Open TV)
(Australian Open TV)
(Australian Open TV)
Despite wanting to continue, he was eventually led off the court to a round of applause. He did return however to finish the match.
Lopez wentt through to the third round of the Australian Open as Frenchman Mannarino was forced to retire despite holding a two-set lead
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