French tennis champ Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had the crowd on his side during Wednesday night’s Australia Open clash against Aussie teen Omar Jasika – but it was his off court actions that attracted the applause.

Mid-match, the No.9 seed rushed to a ball-girl’s aid after she was struck in the face by a rogue tennis ball and was left teary and clearly in distress.

Tsonga noticed she was in trouble so walked over and wrapped his arms around her and walked her off court arm-in-arm, during his final and victorious set at Melbourne Park.

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The court erupted into applause for his heart-felt gesture, and it wasn’t long until fans took to social media calling him a “gentleman” and “all class”.

“I didn’t know it was going to be something like this,” Tsonga said post-match about the fans’ reaction.

“It’s just normal. She was really in trouble and the eyes were a bit [teary]. It was just normal to help her to go out of the stadium.

“I hope she’s going well now. I asked the umpire during the game and she said it’s okay, but with the umpire you never know. I will double check if she’s well now.”

Tsonga said he didn’t notice that she was in pain right away, but as soon as he did he rushed to her side.

“At the start I thought she was normal, because she always send me ball on the side so I said ‘what’s happened with her’,” he said.

“After the second time I saw she was in trouble. I just came to her and helped her go out because she was in a bad [state].”

Event organisers later announced the girl was fine.

After the commotion, Tsonga re-focued on the job at hand and went on to beat 18-year-old Jasika, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4.

He will now play countryman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the third round.

Jasinka displayed glimpses of potential, but a lack of physical and mental stamina and inexperience was what let the young Melbournian down.

But, Tsonga praised his young opponent.

“At the start, he played really well and got on top of me … he’s got a different game than older players,” he said.

“He’s very talented.”

Tsonga may be #10 in the world, but #1 in my book! (Loved the way he wrapped her arm around his.) https://t.co/w1FKOv8ZAK — Rebecca Clack (@rebecca_clack) January 20, 2016

Poor ball girl gets in face. Tsonga holds here hand and walks her off the court. #KingOfTheCourt #AusOpen #Tsonga #class — Lockie Deller (@deller91) January 20, 2016

Respect #Tsonga #AusOpen — Narelle Holding (@narelleholding) January 20, 2016

Hasts off to #Tsonga for such a great gesture with the ball girl. 🙂 #AusOpen

— Mr Jony (@MrJonyy) January 20, 2016

True sportsmanship #Tsonga #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ZyqRylQfKi — Nihal (@nihalcruise) January 20, 2016

A true gentleman @tsonga7 takes care of our #Aussie #WooliesBallKid lucky #Woolworths carries bags of frozen peas ! https://t.co/1dS2gcRJHA — 7Tennis (@7tennis) January 20, 2016

– with AAP