Marseille, France, 21 February 2013 | tennis.com.au

The children of La Timone hospital in Marseille were given a treat when young Aussie tennis star Bernard Tomic paid them a visit on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old, currently ranked No.46, took time between his first and second round matches at the ATP Open 13 in Marseille to visit the children, along with his physiotherapist Salvador Sosa.

With several of the children unable to leave their rooms following surgery, Tomic came to them, lifting their spirits by signing autographs and answering questions.

Impressively, many of the young patients were able to ask Tomic questions in English, thanks to the fact that La Timone provides English language lessons to children who are required to stay in the hospital for longer periods.

Both the children and Tomic thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as shown in the photos below.

After winning his first two matches at the Marseille indoor hardcourt event, Tomic will face third-seeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals.