During Djokovic’s practice at the US Open, a little boy in the crowd shouted, “Will you marry me.” One would have expected this to either have been politely ignored or perhaps to have elicited uncomfortable laughter from the crowd (yes, even in this day and age).

Instead, Novak invited the boy onto the court, let him hit with his racquet, and gave him a huge hug.

Now, I would not necessarily classify tennis as a homophobic sport (feel free to disagree with me), but how huge is it for one of the top players in the game and defending champion of the slam to so openly and lovingly embrace him? When most jocks would shun anything that would even hint to being associated in any way with homosexuality, even Novak’s biggest detractors have to give him a standing O here. Djokovic’s actions here speak far more loudly for love and acceptance than anything he could ever say. Although he has done many great things on a tennis court, this may be the one action that makes me the most proud to say that I am his fan.