When you are playing one of the greatest tennis players of all time it is advisable to take any help you can get. You may be delaying the inevitable, but there’s plenty of pride and money on the line.

What a pleasant surprise then to see this wonderful bit of sportsmanship by Rafa Nadal’s opponent Tim Smyczek. The American (ranked number 112 in the world) managed to push Nadal all the way in a close-fought encounter, the result of which may have turned out differently, save for a class act on Smyczek’s part.

During the crucial 50th game of the match, Nadal duffed his second serve after a spectator yelled out mid-serve. By the letter of the law Nadal lost the point, until Tim stepped up to the plate and over-ruled the decision. This from Business Insider:

ESPN commentator John McEnroe called the moment “a class move by Tim there. A class act.”

Smyczek is ranked No. 112 in the world and could have easily taken the opportunity in an effort to break Nadal and extend the match. He did not.

We salute you, Tim. All one has to do is watch a footie game these days and see grown men writhing around on the floor and diving for penalties to know that it takes a big man to behave like, well, a man.

Enjoy the video up top and work on your French at the same time.

[source:businessinsider]