Kyrgios's beautiful pre-match moment with little Bella
Hours before his gallant loss to Grigor Dimitrov, Nick Kyrgios produced a wonderful gesture for a young cancer sufferer.
Dimitrov resisted a spirited fightback from Kyrgios to end Australia's singles hopes at Melbourne Park with a 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 7-6 (7-4) fourth-round win on Sunday night.
TRUE SPORTSMANSHIP: Kyrgios and Dimitrov share special post-match moment
Kyrgios was wildly applauded as he left Rod Laver Arena after the intense struggle, in stark contrast to last year's exit when he was booed off court after his controversial second-round loss to Andreas Seppi.
Kyrgios was praised for his new mindset and maturity throughout the 2018 Australian Open, which was on full display before each of his matches.
The young Australian regularly invited embattled young fans onto court with him as he warmed up for his matches, and Sunday night was no exception.
This time it was nine-year-old Bella's turn to show her stuff on the practice court with Kyrgios, making the Aussie smile with her attempts and eventual success to hit the ball.
"Bella is 9 years old and unfortunately has been diagnosed with leukaemia 2.5 years ago," Kyrgios posted on social media, along with photos with Bella.
"This strong young girl has previously undergone 2 bone marrow transplants, and sadly relapsed again last year.
"I was so humbled to know that all she has asked for everyday since the Australian Open started was for her ball to be signed by me... today she got much more and I hope that it fills her with hope, strength and inspiration for the road ahead!"
Last year Kyrgios said the prospect of helping disadvantaged and underprivileged children has enabled him to find a "purpose" to play tennis at the highest level.
The 22-year-old has revealed that setting up the Nick Kyrgios Foundation, with the aim of providing sport facilities to needy youths, has given him a huge incentive to succeed.
He wrote on the Players Voice website: "You hear people talk about being motivated for their kids, or a cause, or something more than just themselves. It's inspiration, pure and simple, and it gives them focus when times are tough.
"There's a reason underpinning everything. It's a higher purpose than just collecting a pay cheque.
"I haven't had that and I've always been envious of those who did. I think I've found my purpose in the last couple of months. I'm building something.
"A couple of years ago I had a vision: to build a facility for disadvantaged and underprivileged kids where they could hang out, be safe and feel like they were part of a family. There'd be tennis courts and basketball courts and a gym and an oval to kick the footy. There'd be things to eat and beds to sleep in."