Jo-Wilfried Tsonga surprised with touching letter from ball girl he helped at 2016 Australian Open

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made headlines around the world during last year's Australian Open when he halted a match to help a distressed ball girl.

The Frenchman noticed the youngster was in tears after being hit in the face by a ball during his match with Omar Jasika.

The world No 12 stopped play to put a protective arm around the girl and walk her off court.

The gesture earned him worldwide praise - and now his kindhearted action has been repayed with a touching note from the ball girl herself.

Tsonga revealed that he had received a note of thanks from the girl, Guiliana.

Thank you very much for your letter Giuliana !!! #Remember #AustOpen2016 



— Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (@tsonga7) January 22, 2017
The letter read: "Dear Mr Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you for helping me out on court during your round 2 match. I'm not sure if you remember me but I was the ball girl you escorted off court.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to apologise for the times when you asked for the ball but I did not service it to you or acknowledge you.