Tennis fans wept as veteran Nicolas Mahut was consoled by his son in a touching moment following his French open exit.
The 37-year-old French star was clearly emotional after being defeated in four sets by Argentine Leonardo Mayer, denying him a place in the fourth round.
Seeing his father upset, Mahut’s seven-year-old son Natanel ran on to the court and embraced him.
The pair shared a hug before walking away hand-in-hand, as the crowd and Mahut’s opponent applauded them.
Some were visibly moved as the scene brought them to tears.
"I was really emotional to see him on the court,” Mahut told Tennis World USA.
“He comes on a win but also when I lose.
“Normally he's the one who is crying, and I'm comforting him and today was the contrary. Very moving, indeed.”
Mahut had been on a stellar run in the contest, narrowly avoiding a potential match up with Roger Federer had he won.
"I knew I would have the possibility to play Roger in the round of 16, and that's what was pushing me forward, also," he told Tennis World USA.
The heartwarming moment garnered emotive responses on social media.
One person wrote: "Sometimes you win even when you lose."
