Rafael Nadal rescues crying young fan at the US Open

Spaniard Rafael Nadal is always a fan favourite at tennis grand slams, and at the US Open he showed how much he cares for his supporters big and small.

Nadal defeated Hyeon Chung 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the fourth round in New York, but it was a moment before the match that went viral online.

While signing autographs for a group of young fans, Nadal rescued a kid who was crying, feeling the crush from those behind at the front of the fence, eager to get a memento from their tennis hero.

Noticing the child crying, without flinching Nadal lifted the kid from the crowd over the fence and comforted them. The young fan continued to sob but soon calmed down as Nadal wiped their tears and other US Open officials checked everything was okay.

The young fan then got a memorable photo and autograph from the world no.2.

Nadal next plays Croatia's Marin Cilic on Tuesday, at 9am (AEST).