With his fierce roar and bulging biceps, Rafael Nadal is considered to be one of the more fearsome players in tennis.

But the Spanish ace has shown he's really a softie at heart following a dramatic moment during an exhibition game in Mallorca.

Nadal was playing in a doubles match alongside up-and-coming youngster Simon Solbas when it became clear there was some commotion in the crowd.

The former Wimbledon champ stopped the game against Carlos Moya and John McEnroe to find out more, and it turned out a child had gone missing.

And Nadal — as well as the other players — quickly rushed to look round the arena which was packed out by 7000 spectators.

Thankfully, the woman's daughter was found safe and well in the stands as fans guided them towards each other.

The hugging duo walked away crying, and the tennis game resumed following the happy ending.

It also turned out to be successful for Nadal on the court too, with the 30-year-old eventually winning the exhibition against Moya and McEnroe 3-6, 6-3 and 10-8.