As James McCabe took on Martin Landaluce in his first-round match at the Australian Open, the young Sydneysider had a special fan in his box – Sonny Bill Williams.
The former NRL and rugby great confesses he doesn’t “know too much about tennis”, but was there on court six to support McCabe, a long-time family friend.
“We’re just mates. I’ve known him since we were young, I’m good friends with his old man, family friends,” Williams told this masthead.
“He’s just a good young man. I don’t know too much about tennis to be honest, but anything that he needs from me, I’m here.
“I’m just here supporting a young man. I’ve known him since he was maybe 10 or 11, so for a long time I’ve known him. But that’s all it is, the simple messages.”
McCabe’s straight-sets victory over the Spaniard was the first grand slam win of his career, and the 21-year-old said Williams’ advice at key points during the match had been invaluable.
Sonny Bill Williams was courtside to watch James McCabe’s first round match.Credit: Getty Images
“I have known Sonny ever since I was a kid. We are really close, family friends. I just wanted him to come down,” McCabe said.
“He came down last year, as well. He came to Adelaide. Sonny is like a brother to me. Sonny is amazing. He’s like, especially Sonny being Sonny, he has all the experience being one of the best players ever to step on the field. Just, yeah, his words of wisdom and everything is just … I’m very lucky.”
With McCabe two sets up, Landaluce exited for a bathroom break – prompting McCabe to seek out the Williams pep-talk.
“He’s got the complete package,” Williams said. “It’s just about staying mentally strong and in the moment. Like I said, I’m not a tennis coach, and I was just trying to support where I could.
“From a mental point of view, just stay present and stay in the fight and stay on top of them, just simple messages.
“I’ve walked that path, I’ve walked that journey, and anything I can help with, any little bit of knowledge that I may have from the paths that I’ve walked, I’m an open book.
“I’ve never been one to hoard any of that type of knowledge. So if I see something, I’ll say it to him. He can take it or not. It’s a path that he has to walk, but he’s got a good team around him.”
McCabe will take on American Alex Michelsen, conqueror of Stefanos Tsitsipas, in the second round – and he can bank on having his hype man in his corner again.
“Of course,” Williams said. “We’ll be there, ready to go again.”
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